[b]“My feet are so swollen. I have cankles for Christ’s sake. When is this child of yours arriving?”[/b] Whining could be heard from a fair skinned Vera for the hundredth time while wiping beads of sweat from along a blond hairline. 

Another sweltering day venturing forward to where this supposed Refuge was allegedly constructed. Years had passed since staying behind those semi-constructed walls. It would be an adjustment living under a roof once again instead of underneath lush canopies of overgrown vines. This change, though undesired, was more than necessary in order to safely raise a bundle of joy; and not too soon as only one month lay ahead before the birth. Motherhood. What did the violence drenched young girl know about motherhood? On the job training would have to do since no manual on the subject existed. 

“When the baby feels like it. All this walking isn't helping either love? ” A light chuckle could be heard even though the S’torei tried desperately to muffle it before bursting out in full-fledged laugther at his dirt covered girlfriend hobbling through the dense brush. Many would consider this extremely rude but with humor lacking in this foreboding era comedy was raw and immediately taken when it did make itself known.

[b]“Yuk it up while you can, bastard.”[/b] Vera tried retaining an angry sneer but ended up grinning and rolling her vibrant eyes at his deep contagious howl. 

All too soon chortles curbed as a massive mutated slim spider like mantis scurried toward them in near silence until its ear shattering screeches gave the beast away. Startled yet composed both readied their weapons and fired after taking aim. This—thing had not been seen by either of the travelers before and Vera nearly had trouble containing self-control in order not to scream as the lime and jet colored pest’s expanded limbs kept increasing speed with ease. Sprinting was practically impossible let alone dodging with such a pregnant belly. Mti tried relentlessly to attract pitch beady eyes his way but it almost seemed as if the varmint sensed the unborn child…and craved it. 

Both ill-fated lovers knew they could not outrun this monstrosity. Bullets hardly dented its impenetrable exterior and if mandibles could chuckle in amusement they would be doing just that. Swiftly and effortlessly one raptorial spiked leg impaled Mti’s chest cavity protruding through the other side releasing a red splatter. This event happened so fast there was simply no way to act or kill this giant before it inevitably did draw first blood. Words were spoken by the dying man but were silent as the whole world at that very last moment. Paralyzed, Vera looked on in sheer horror. A calming warm smile spread on her other half’s face as did a single tear, which trailed down his tanned cheek. A guardian angel to return home; if only she believed in heaven. Faith never played a big part in her life and with this incident religion could not be further on her mind.

[i]Then blackness. [/i]

Gasping, waking in a cold sweat as both hands clenched into tight fists drawing ruby essence from her palms in regards to an all too real nightmare. Ever since that day she failed to sleep routinely. Sometimes only catching two little hours of sleep and remaining exhausted all the while no less. That’s where that precious caffeine powder came in handy. Much needed alabaster dust resembling cocaine frequently sprinkled onto anything and everything. A few people have grimaced watching the pierced woman add it upon flavored slush and meat but in order to stay alert during her hunting skirmishes...no choice but to give in. 

Arms outstretched toward the ceiling of a drab living space feeling a tinge of discomfort underneath scarred skin located around her back. Fingers ran over permanent black ink on her neck ignoring ever present back pain as it reminded her of a happier time. Legs kicked off the single sheet over her body, which already began feeling the warmth of the evening. It coated her bare flesh feeling sticky like honey but a few splashes from a sponge soaked in purged water would cool this heat. After gathering simple attire and her necessary supplies from a man-made wooden chest her trader stall would be the next stop.
---
“G’day Vera.” Stated one of her regulars matter-of-factly as he witnessed the brooding girl appear around a corner. 

Bi weekly this eager man would appear to trade odds and ends in exchange for unique animal hide and the like from the Russian. He was quite the burly lad with a combed short boxed beard and difficult to miss in a crowd but a loyal customer no less. Tinkering, a habit of his though sometimes his creations ended up being useless and from then on remained heavy eye sores. Much to her surprise the rugged gentleman had shown up a week early requesting a present for his wife of twenty five years. Instead of vocally greeting him Vera simply nodded without glancing upward and continued checking the supplies in her military backpack.

“Come to trade, per usual. Anniversary is comin’ up. Wantin’ to make a stew for the old lady and perhaps a purse out of one of those unique critters you sometimes have in stock.” Thick eyebrows squinted in heavy thought before he chimed up and tapped his noggin’ after remembering with a broad finger. “The red and black one. That uh, dog rabbit thing. A Dobbit?” 

Unenthused eyes managed to peel themselves away for a second though her hands had moved on to inserting bullets into the charcoal colored gun blade chamber. Silver and gold engraving glinted throughout the flat of the razor sharp masterpiece. This was not her main weapon but my, was it fun to wield in close combat. 

[b]“..So I see.”[/b] Each word was prolonged and spoken in an all knowing manner but her tone soon changed to a light hearted [i]oh well[/i] afterward. [b]“For shame, come back later. I am going hunting now.”[/b]

“C’mon Vera. I don’t go to no other vender for my meat and pelts.” Surely trying to sweet talk the frigid woman seemed like a good idea at the time. When that unquestionably failed, however, the guilt was then spread heavily followed by a subtle taunt. 

“You know my free time is limited. Who knows when I’ll be back again seeing as your hours are so unpredictable; one would almost suspect that this business isn't very important to ya.” Woolly arms crossed as he shot her a disappointed gaze in hopes of persuading a different answer out of the platinum blond. 

[b]“Yes, yes.”[/b] She grumbled in agitation not caring in the least of his futile badgering while making a shooing motion with her hand. [b]“Later…you inpatient man.”[/b] After putting a few feet between them she added the last disrespectful bit.

Weathered combat boots crunched the soulless earth below with each progressive step toward the wall. Who knew what kinds of things she would run into out there this time? Always hoping for something larger and much rarer then what her fellow competitors killed. This treacherous burden just so happened to be a “regular” type of job in this day and age but something pressed the bluish grey hued female to risk life and limb. Perpetual revenge…something much deeper than what she led on. It consumed the broken spirited single mother but she did not much feel like a mother since her child ceased to be by her side. 

Plain clad Vera passed by an obvious Solider saluting a watch guard on her way out through the heavy duty protective barricade. Never stopping or removing a fixed gaze toward the horizon in order to acknowledge each Saviors presence guarding the massive gate. Probably a decent few had already tried their luck out there today and were turning up short. In spite of their failed but diligent efforts, this stubborn individual would not come back empty handed. Her occupation demanded it since edibles and animal parts were in such high demand. If all else, she would end up camping out there even though that would be a horrible last resort in bleak obligation.