Apocalypse: Building And Hoarding My Way Through.
Chapter 110: I Just Want To Die!!!

Chapter 110: I Just Want To Die!!!

The others snapped out of their thoughts and nodded in agreement. Ethan gently lifted Maya onto his back, her fragile frame feeling lighter than ever. Larry, Garvin and Louise flanked him on either side, their presence offering silent support. Scarlett and Kato led the way, their steps steady as they left the forest and its haunting memories behind.

As they journeyed onward, the group maintained a somber mood, each member lost in their own thoughts. The events of the past few days had taken a toll on them. The towering trees seemed to close in around them. The faint moonlight filtering through the canopy cast long, ominous shadows that danced on the damp earth.

Soon, the sky began to shift, the once-clear expanse becoming overcast with thick, dark clouds that seemed to swallow the moon. The rain began to pour, heavy and relentless, drumming against the earth with a rhythm like war drums.

A ripple of excitement spread through the group as they stopped in their tracks, each member savoring the cold rainwater on their skin. It was as though the rain carried a cleansing energy, washing away the dirt, blood, and burdens they had borne for so long.

Ethan allowed a rare smile to touch his lips. He gently laid Maya down on the wet ground, her back rested against a tree. Standing tall, he ran his fingers through his hair, letting the rain cascade over his face. "You know," he began, his voice carrying above the sound of the rain, "even in this apocalyptic world, it feels like the heavens can’t handle the amount of death that happens here every minute. Maybe that’s why it’s raining so heavily now to wash away the blood of humans and monsters alike." He tilted his face skyward, his voice softening. "After all, even the monsters were once human."

Garvin wasted no time pulling off his soaked shirt. The rain glistened on his broad chest, accentuating the intricate rose tattoos that sprawled across his defined muscles. He let out a deep, contented sigh. "I think this is the first time I’ve actually enjoyed the rain in this world," he admitted, shaking water from his hair. "It kind of reminds me of the rain back on Earth." His voice held a hint of wistfulness as he stretched his arms, allowing the rain to cleansse him. The rains before might be artificial. You know, created by people with powers, manipulating the heavens to make it rain."

Louise chuckled softly, joining in the banter. "Real or not, I’ll take it," he said, his voice rich and smooth. He stood beneath the downpour, his shirt abandoned and his lean form drenched. "It’s been so long since anything felt this... normal."

Scarlett stood a short distance away, her boots sinking slightly into the rain-soaked earth. Her clothes clung to her body, drenched through, but she barely seemed to notice. Her gaze was fixed on the scene before her, the men, for once, unguarded and carefree. Her eyes lingered on Garvin, tracing the smooth lines of his chest and the intricate details of his tattoos. She swallowed hard, an unfamiliar warmth rising in her chest.

Quickly, she tore her eyes away, diverting her attention to Maya instead. The young woman’s eyes were already red with tears which kept on rolling down her cheeks. Scarlett moved toward her, kneeling in the wet grass. The rain softened her usually sharp features, giving her an almost serene appearance.

She reached out, brushing a few strands of damp hair from Maya’s face. "You should forget about everything," Scarlett began, her voice calm but resolute. Her piercing gaze met Maya’s. "I know it hurts, and I know it’s not going to be easy to forget everything in a single night. But I need you to try. The ones who hurt you, those monsters, have been dealt with. Now, I want you to free your mind. Let yourself feel the happiness of knowing your enemies are gone."

Maya looked up at Scarlett, her eyes brimming with a deep sadness. The words should have comforted her, but instead, they pulled her further into her despair. Her lips quivered, and she broke down into uncontrollable sobs. The sound of her anguish echoed through the rain, drawing the attention of the others. It was as if Scarlett stabbed her with a sharp knife.

Garvin, Ethan, Larry, and Louise, who had been bathing joyfully in the rain, froze mid-motion. Their gazes turned to Maya, concern etched on their faces. Even Kato, who had been leaning casually against a tree with an air of detachment, shifted his gaze toward the scene.

The four men approached cautiously, their playful expressions replaced with worry except for Kato, who seemed as unbothered as ever, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of interest.

Maya’s trembling eyes darted between Scarlett and the others who had formed a loose circle around her. The men tried to smile, their expressions warm and encouraging, but the weight of Maya’s emotions was too heavy. Her voice, broken and trembling, cut through the tension.

"I wish I could forget everything," she said, her words choked by sobs. "I know I’m safe with you, but the memories... they won’t leave me. The organization, the things they did, it keeps playing in my head like a nightmare I can’t wake up from." She wrapped her arms around herself, rocking slightly. "I hate myself so much. I just want to die, Scarlett. I can’t keep living like this, even if those who hurt me are already gone."

Scarlett didn’t hesitate. She pulled Maya into a tight embrace, wrapping her arms around her as if shielding her from the world. Her fingers moved gently through Maya’s wet hair, offering comfort in the simplest way she could.

Larry knelt beside them, his broad frame lowering to Maya’s level. His voice, soft and steady. "If you give up, Maya," he began, his tone almost pleading, "then the ones who hurt you win. Even in death, they’ll mock you for letting them destroy you." His words were deliberate, each syllable weighted with meaning. "Being a victim of such cruelty isn’t the end of the world. You can let it break you, or you can use it to grow stronger."

Maya’s sobs didn’t subside, but Larry pressed on. "I failed your brother," he admitted, his voice cracking slightly. "He sacrificed himself to save me. If not for him, I wouldn’t be here, I was on my last life, clinging to survival. He gave me a new chance, and I swore to him that I would protect you. I failed that promise this time but I won’t fail it again. This is just a challenge, Maya. And challenges can be overcome."

Scarlett glanced at Larry, her eyes silently asking him to stop. Maya needed to let her emotions out, not be burdened by more guilt. He caught her look and fell silent, his gaze dropping to the ground.

The rain continued to pour, masking the sound of Maya’s sobs. Scarlett held her tightly, whispering soothing words while stroking her hair. The others stood around her, silent but present, offering their quiet support.