Dr. George Hansen was panicking. He was so restless that he had already walked three laps around the lab. He had planned so meticulously and yet in the end thing went completely against expectations. Kyle was still alive and now so heavily guarded that not even an ant could sneak in to try anything. The group seemed to have figured out that there was danger to Kyle's life from within the camp and as such even had all the medicines and solutions used on him double verified before use. Not to mention that the group was so tightly knit that he couldn't buy off one of them just like he did with others.

The lab was unusually quiet. The heavy atmosphere could be literally tasted. Dr. Davis was in a horrible mood and everyone was walking on eggshells around him. The one who had to face the brunt of his fury was none other than Dr. Hansen himself.

Dr. Davis had almost overthrown the whole lab when the rumours about Ash's abilities leaked. He was even more furious when people started lining up to go seek treatment from the kid even for the slightest injury. His temper finally broke through the roof, when he heard that Ash was kept locked up and not one of the scientist were permitted to see him. Dr Davis had wanted to keep the boy a complete secret. To slowly figure out the inner workings and to unravel all the mysteries hidden within that tiny body. Yet now, the boy was in the spotlight and everyone was watching curiously on what would become of him. Now every step had to be taken carefully. It was no wonder that he was angry. Could anyone blame him. All that build up anger in him was finally directed at the people around. No one was spared. The people working there were so traumatised that they were still shivering from the fright.

Now Dr. Hansen could only try to improvise in order to rectify the situations as much as possible. He needed to find a person that would cooperate with him from that group. 'I think I know whom to approach. With the right incentive, they might be willing.' Just as he was about to get up and find the said person, his secretary hurried over with quick footsteps. She had a slight look of happiness and disbelief on her face. After the incident few days back no one in the lab had seen such a cheerful mood until now.

As soon as she saw Dr. Hansen, she broke out into a wide grin and stated, "Doctor there is a visitor."

George was already riddled with so much worry that he was not very interested in meeting anyone at the moment. As such he dismissed what she said and told her to send them away. But she refused to listen and instead dropped a bomb "It is Ash Kage Sir!"

As soon as what she said registered, Dr Hansen jumped out of his seat as if his ass was on fire. Without waiting for anymore words he ran towards the front door at his highest speed. 'He was saved!'

The young slender figure of the youth appeared in front of him as he reached the door. He quickly looked around and saw that there was no one with him. Although Dr. Hansen wanted to just forcefully grab him, George restrained himself and put on an amiable smile on his face. Even if he didn't see any of his team members around it didn't mean that Ash, being the centre of everyones focus now, was not being observed. "Ash, it has been long. Don't just stand there, come in. Let's talk over some drinks"

The man tactfully pulled the boy back into the facility before he could protest and was happy that there wasn't much resistance. Only once the doors were again closed behind him, did George feel like letting out a relieved sigh. He sneakily glanced at the boy who was expressionlessly walking beside him and decided that he could not let go of this chance. The boy must be made to stay!

He led Ash all the way to his office and enthusiastically poured him a glass of warm tea before settling down across from him. "Have you been well?" The doctor carefully asked as he saw that Ash made no further movements after he sat himself down. A long silence followed the question, and George even saw Ash frown slightly. He immediately realised that given recent events, the chances of Ash being 'fine or well' was null. So his question was like rubbing salt onto the wound.

In order to diffuse the awkwardness, George chucked nervously and then changed the question, "So... What brings you here?"

Another short silence stretched before them. Ash seemed to be pondering on something seriously before he finally opened his mouth to speak, "I want to make a deal with you."

"A deal you say?" George was slightly confused on what this was about. But he could tell, it would be only beneficial to him. "Feel free to speak. If its within my power it shall be done."

"A person has been taken away from me. I want her found and returned to me. If you can do that, I will cooperate with the tests to find a vaccine." Even when he said so much Ash's voice was without any fluctuations.

Dr.Hansen was ecstatic. He was really profiting right now. Although his plans had deviated a bit, in the end it had come to be as he had hoped. Although he wanted to quickly agree, he knew that he had to stay calm. He was vaguely aware that Ash was testing him. Unfortunately for the boy, he had lived much longer and dealt with difficult superiors longer than him. As such he knew when someone was trying to trap him subtly.

"Hmm who is the person and what can you tell me about her disappearance?" George asked calmly.

Ash narrowed his eyes slightly in barely obvious frustration as he answered, "She is a small kid around the age of 7/8. Name is Emma. From what I know, she should be hidden away by Rhys Grant."

"Hmm Rhys Grant is a difficult opponent to take on...." George was overjoyed that someone could take the fall in his stead. Instead of showing his actual feelings, he put on a difficult look on his face. 'When making a deal, the one who has it more urgent, loses.' George was planning on making it seem like Ash was the one in urgent need of their help.

But to his surprise, the boy was smarter than he thought. "Well it seems like you can't help me then. I have wasted your time." Without even trying to convince the other, Ash stood up and started walking away. Dr Hansen was stunned for a moment before he realised that Ash had really walked off. 'Should I call security and have him confined? No its too soon. The dust hasn't settled over the revelation of the boy's skills. It would draw unwanted hate towards the lab.' His mind was racing as he processed all these thoughts and finally called out with slight panic. "Wait. Its not difficult! Of course I will have it done." There was absolutely nothing difficult about the situation, the girl was after all, in their hands and if he could further frame Rhys then....hahaha.

Just as he thought he had achieved it all, Dr Hansen heard Ash sigh. "Unfortunately the offer is off the table. I am certain there are others who are more willing to cooperate with me than you."

At once Dr. Hansen realised that in fact, he was the one in desperate need of Ash rather than the other way around. The boy completely had the upper hand. Dr. Hansen could only helplessness give in "We need you here. We will find the girl for you and agree to any other request you may have."

Immediately a wide mocking grin broke across Ash's face. He couldn't help the soft chuckle that escaped his mouth. "Alright then but instead other than my initial request, you will provide both of us complete protection..."

"Yes we will." Dr Hansen agreed immediately. This was not against their goal so there was no resistance in agreeing.

But Ash wasn't done with his demands "You will let us go in and out the facility as we like. We won't be kept confined inside."

George felt a headache coming. He didn't want to agree to that at all. The boy needed to be kept inside all the time! But seeing that he was hesitating, Ash raised an eyebrow at him before turning away again. George got so scared that he blurted out his agreement to the request.

"Emma will be kept far away from all this unpleasantness and no harm will come to her. She will be provided with all the basic necessities along with three meals a day as well as study material."

"Okey"

"And..."

Hearing the 'and' Dr Hansen was already regretting not agreeing right away to the deal at the beginning. If he had he could have avoided all this unpleasantness. He was already dreading what other demands would come from the boy's mouth. Thankfully it wasn't too difficult. "After you find the girl, you will realise that she is sick, you will work on finding a cure for her." For anyone else it might have been difficult but for him, the man in charge of the whole lab, this was nothing. He was already aware of the girl's frailty. Since she was bait, he had been keeping her healthy until now. Even though the drugs for her disease was difficult to make after the apocalypse started, it was still possible for them to come up with similar medicaments to stabilise her for the time being. Although they did have some side effects as they were prepared in a hurry.

Dr Hansen waited a moment to see if there were any other requests and when none followed, he finally sighed in relief. 'This was still mostly acceptable. And wether they kept the promise or not was another matter altogether. As for him going out of the lab, it wasn't entirely impossible as long as he had someone trailing him all the time.' But still Dr. Hansen reminded himself that he shouldn't let the boy's innocent looks misguide him. Although young, Ash could be crafty.

"I will arrange a room for you to stay in." George said amiably after all the tedious talk was behind them. He arranged Shelly to be the guide to his room. After the boy was out of sight, the man hurried off upstairs to report the good news to the grumpy man who had been making his life hell.

The news had brought the genius scientist back into a better mood. But he still wasn't completely happy. "Have you taken care of Kyle?"

Dr Hansen gulped nervously as he shook his head. "I will go right away and arrange it all."

The younger scientist softly glanced at his direction. Although he didn't do anything extreme, his gaze still felt cold. "George, I don't want any mistakes this time."

Dr Hansen hurriedly nodded in assurance and then ran off to get it all done. 'He must get rid of Kyle no matter what!'

_________

Ash looked around the room that he was assigned. It was very plain and simple. Yet during this apocalypse, it was a great luxurious upgrade from the sleeping bags he was used to. He lay down tiredly on the bed and closed his eyes. Several thoughts entered his head at once. Being in this room was giving him anxiety. At the back of his head someone was screaming that he was stupid. That he had walked back into the same life he had been trying to avoid. This was not what he would have wanted. But he couldn't be around Rhys anymore. The man was calculative and distrustful and knew how to hold a grudge.

When Rhys's face popped up in his mind, Ash's mood immediately fell. Rhys had had no intention of releasing Ash at all. But under the camp regulations, everyone who lived in it had to work. Ash was neither being punished, exiled nor put to work. So, it was undoubted that someone would come around to pressure the man to release Ash. Manpower was required almost everywhere. Ash had already experience guarding the fence which was a bonus. Not only that there was a long string of people who wanted to get their hands on the boy once he leaves Rhys sphere of influence. The pressure was big enough that Rhys had no choice in the end.

As Kyle had already stabilised and since there wasn't much else Ash could do for him, there was no more sense in keeping him locked up. As such Ash was finally set free. But with the freedom came confusion on his future. Ash had no idea where to go. The people whom he once called friends where mostly giving him hard looks now. He couldn't trust a word that Rhys said. The man had broken his word yet again. He had hidden away Emma from him and refused to return her. When Ash confronted him, he just stated that he never had her to begin with and that he had only said so, so that Ash would treat his brother. As if Ash would just believe that lying bastard completely just because he said so. Anger was brewing in his stomach and Ash didn't know how to vent. He was no longer welcome in the group and he had no intention of staying with them either.

Of course he had his reservations. Rhys's claim for Emma's disappearance back then did sound like a statement formed from desperation. Yet he didn't intend to drop his guard. In his mind, the initial suspects where still the scientist. He needed to question them as well to make up his mind. Along with this need was the problem of the rumours about his power spreading wide. Everyone was eyeing him like a fat piece of meat. Ash thus did not have much option left but to deliver himself to the lab again.

Yet even after carefully probing George did not slip up any information. So until proven otherwise, Rhys was still the number one suspect. Ash had been too disgusted to look at Rhys after all that happened. He had tricked Ash into doing his bidding. No matter how urgent the situation must have seemed it was still using him. Ash was not trusting enough to believe him again.

Ash never liked being controlled or forced. He didn't trust anyone. And threatening him with the safety of someone he decided to claim as family was the worst move anyone could make. Everyone seemed to hold malicious intentions. Having come to that conclusion, Ash made up his mind to find help one way or another to retrieve the girl. He had made sure to completely avoid Rhys along with everyone else as he made his way to the lab. With this he had broken all relationships with them.

Anne, and Jule were the only ones who still took it upon themselves to check up on Ash from time to time from that group. And Ash had made sure that those two wouldn't notice of his disappearance until much later. What distressed him the most is that after all that struggle to escape from being a lab rat, Ash was back to where he started. It's like fate was playing a huge joke on him, leading him on. Giving him a taste of freedom all the while making him walk in a circle to get back to square one.

Although this time it seemed like it was his choice, in all honesty there wasn't many attractive options to pick. Kyles team of survivors were one of the strongest group of civilians right now. They were used to fighting and training their bodies way before the apocalypse. From the stories Ash heard, Kyle had given them military like training from a young age, and several of them used to fight in underground wrestling rings just for the thrill. Forming gangs and causing trouble. How could ordinary civilians who used to work in offices compare to them. That group now either avoided him or openly showed their hostility. Isabella especially held a deep grudge. Her husband was everything to her, yet now she was so worried about his survival that she needed an outlet. Kyle was still unconscious. They were keeping him on tubes for now. But how long they could keep it up was another question. Isabella was already hearing a lot of protest about how they were wasting precious resources on a dead man. All this anger was boiling in her. And whom else to blame than the person confirmed to be responsible. She had already gathered a group around her who shared a similar sentiment. And Ash knew it was just a matter of time before her thin thread of patience breaks and she comes looking for him.

As such the other choice he had was to side with another big survivor group. But their reputation was so bad that there was constant fights and betrayals. Him walking to them was similar to asking them to eat him alive. Another option was the military. Unfortunately they had strict orders that their number one priority was the scientists. They were dispatched from the centre HQ to ensure the survival of these geniuses who were the ones with the potential of finding the cure. If a mishap happens then they would not care at all to save someone like Ash. Basically they were like well trained guard dogs of the scientists. Relying on them was similar to relying on the lab.

In the end there was not much difference between being with the military and the lab. The only group of people who were dying to get their hands on him and would ensure his survival were only those scientists. Of course he was not seen as a person but a specimen but still it was better than a nobody. Also from what he understood of these highly educated people from all his experienced, they would do anything to capture him and study him. So it was better to voluntarily walk up to them demanding some rights rather than being kidnapped out of the blue. This thought process was what led him here. Now he had to live with his decision.

A few weeks quickly passed. They hadn't officially started any experiments on him. Dr Hansen only asked him to provide a sample of his fluids and did a body scan on him the days after he arrived. Even though they already had taken all these before, they seemed to want fresh and new samples so Ash had to cooperate. They must have found something interesting in them as there has been deep discussion going on in the meeting rooms for days since then. Maybe until they figure out whatever it is that caught their attention, he would be left alone.

Even though he could go outside as per his condition, Ash hadn't left the lab all these days. Yet he had heard rumours on what was going on outside. Apparently Jule had come looking for him and made a ruckus outside the doors. Ash really couldn't imagine the scene. In his mind, Jule wasn't the kind to cause trouble. Several of the injured were also stationed outside demanding that the lab have Ash start curing them. But the scientists have refused to this which has caused dissatisfaction. The doors were thus heavily guarded to make sure no one entered or exited for the time being unless approved. Although all this trouble was regarding him, Ash turned a blind ear to all of them and stayed inside. Exploring a bit when bored and having his meals and sleep regularly. He had made up his mind to only concern about himself and his affairs and nothing else.

Once in a while Ash would go and hang out with Oliver. Although the man was very busy, and thus not always available, but whenever he was around he would welcome Ash's company. After all they were used to each other's presence when Ash used to assist him with his experiments. Oliver was still the same. Quiet and serious but occasionally soft and caring. His whole world seemed to revolve around his experiments and dinner and sleep. Ash enjoyed watching him work and occasionally helped out. They fell immediately into such perfect coordination that the work efficiently increased drastically.

On one of those days, Ash noticed an unexpected visitor in the lab. His mood immediately fell and Ash made sure to keep his presence hidden. Yet he was curious for the reason of the red haired Stephanie to visit this place and felt a foreboding feeling in his chest. Immediately he left behind the oblivious Oliver and sneaked behind the girl to find out her purpose for visiting. She seemed very familiar with the place. After following her for a while, he saw her meeting up with Dr. Hansen. Soon, they started to argue. Ash didn't dare to get too close to avoid detection. As such he could only catch bits and pieces of the conversation. From what he could make out, she was there to collect some kind of reward for a task she had completed. But they got into an argument as she wanted more than what was initially agreed on. In the end Dr Hansen grudgingly agreed and had his assistant lead the woman away. After that day he noticed Stephanie appear again several days later demanding the same. This time Ash figured that the girl was actually blackmailing the doctor to get resources. But what secret it was that she held against the scientist was a mystery to Ash.

——————

Dr. Hansen was furious. This was the fourth time since he assigned that woman with the task of kidnapping the little girl, that she had come around to demand food and resources. He had wanted to refuse countless times but the woman was crafty. Stephanie threatened to expose his involvement to both the survivor group and Ash. Having the one of the strongest groups in the camp against you was not an ideal situation. Ash on the other hand could never know the details, at least until they could completely confine the boy away from public interest. So, he had no choice but to comply with Stephanie's demands again and again. Yet he couldn't keep doing this either. He needed to come up with a solution that would take that woman out of the picture for good. After thinking for a while, a small smile stretched across his face. He quickly got up and made his way out of the lab. He needed to find the 'Kobras'.

George was careful to avoid the crowd outside as he made his way down the roads and to the more secluded part of the camp. He was dressed more raggedly to not stand out among the crowd. People here had mostly given up on following the law. They refused to do any hard work unless it was to their interest and instead focused on assaulting, raping and robbing from their victims. People have long been unhappy about their behaviour, yet they had their uses. They were strong and knew how to hold their ground in a fight. Every raid they did outside came with numerous spoils. Humanity couldn't afford to lose strong healthy fighters at the moment. Even the military turned a blind eye to them as long as they got bribed with the spoils.

Soon he arrived at a narrow road with tents set up on either side very close to each other. Although this group was not liked by the majority, the people still hoped to be part of them as the benefits were numerous. As such, the area around the main tents was filled to the brink with people who supported them or wanted to be part of the group. Unlike Kyles team which was very tightly knit, the Kobras focused more on intimidation for control. As such they didn't care who joined them. As such they were large in number which in turn increased their demand for resources which further increased their irrational actions and crimes.

Dr. Hansen didn't need to go far to find some desperate soul who wanted to find some achievement to join the team. He made sure that he wasn't recognized by the lot and then carefully approached a group of young people who were sitting around a table discussing something while they were having their meal. They were talking about going out and looting and occupying nearby building for the Kobras. The nearby area around the camp was mostly danger free. There was already discussion on expanding. Another wall would soon be erected outside. So it was better to move in an occupy the better spots now. George was already familiar with this group of people. He had disguised himself as a messenger from the military the last time when he came to task them to join Kyle's team on his rescue mission. Back then, they were still not officially part of the Kobras but now they seem to have ascended in status. After all they did help in disabling the scary competition of their boss. Not only that but rumour of having military connection had elevated their status further. As such George knew that these group would be happy to follow his demands if there was an attractive offer in it for them.

Having already seen George's arrival, a very muscular woman quickly jumped up and grabbed him in joy and dragged him to sit next to her. "George, it's been a while. What have you been up to you rascal." The woman still had an arm thrown over his neck and squeezed him towards her chest in a show of joy. Unfortunately, Dr. Hansen was finding it difficult to breath and thus quickly patted on her hand so that she would release him. Realising his intention, the the group chuckled and the woman released him with a smack to his back.

After straightening himself and catching his breath, Dr. Hansen awkwardly smiled and stated, "Looks like you are happy to see me Iris." Loud laughter followed his statement again.

"Indeed. Our last cooperation was so fruitful that I have been looking forward to your next arrival since then."

"That's good to know since I do have a task to give away. But if you would find it interesting enough or not, I don't know."

"Is it more dangerous than the last one? Although we enjoyed the rewards, I must say that was really too fucking strange. All those zombies acting together. It gave me the creeps. Not to mention that we lost some really good men." Iris was serious as she stated. The others around her murmured in agreement.

"Don't worry this time the task is easy. In fact its so easy that I doubt you will get any excitement out of it." George reassured them.

"If the benefits are high then we don't care. Let's hear it. What is it you need us to do?"

"There is a girl who is obstructing our work. She has some sort of backing and thus is acting arrogant. You just have to take care of her."

Iris shrugged, "Sounds easy enough. What's in it for us?"

George suddenly smirked, "I have reliable Intel that she has boxes upon boxes of food and resources hidden away. You can take it all after you handle the girl."

Iris'a eyes started shining. Food was as precious as gold right now. For such an easy task the reward was attractive enough for her to act. "Give us the name of this girl. We will take care of her."

"Stephanie Clifton" George replied happily. But at the mention of the name the woman's face changed a bit.

"The Stephanie Clifton?" She asked to make sure.

"Is there another one?" George was a bit confused.

"You mean the girl who is said to be Rhys Grant's girlfriend. That's the Stephanie you are talking about right?" Only when Iris laid it out like that did George recall why he had picked Stephanie in the first place. It also brought the realisation that she was more of a danger to him than he initially deluded himself.

"George, that's not as an easy task as you make it out to be." Iris had a grim face. They had already attacked Kyle. Although not directly, the part they played was too large to be ignored. "I think by the end of the mission Kyle had already almost figured out our plan." The man wasn't dead. When he wakes up from his comatose state, she was certain that he would immediately point his finger at them. If the group somehow figured out their involvement then it would be disastrous. Now George was asking them to attack another member of their group. Especially someone close to Rhys. Even the Kobra's leader was weary of that guy and wouldn't provoke him easily. Not to mention that there was no way to get her out of the camp like they did with Kyle. That would mean that they had to deal with her from within the walls. This increased the risk further as they couldn't easily blame it on an accident or something similar. "I have to think about this a bit." Iris stated. "Let me discuss this with Amelia and I will give you a response afterwards." Amelia West was the deputy leader of the Kobras. The leader was her brother Eliot West. But everyone knew that he was just muscle and no brain as such Amelia was in charge of all the main decisions.

Although Dr. Hansen was impatient to get the matter done, he knew that he shouldn't push it. As such he could only nod his head and agree before getting up to leave. "Leave a note at the general's office with your decision. I will find it."

Dr. Hansen walked back to the lab and cursed in frustration. It seemed like he still had to put up with that blackmailing woman. 'I will wait for a few weeks to see what they reply. By then, it should be enough time for 'that' person to also give their response to my request.' He shook his head annoyed that things weren't moving quickly enough and then walked off while murmuring "Let's wait and see what happens"