Ethan barley dodged, as a long bloody line appeared on his stomach.

Ethan clutched his stomach area as he grimaced. He swore as he leaped towards the body of the robber who was on his way to death due to the dagger piercing his neck.

He grabbed his dagger from the man's neck and then jumped at the man while slashing at him with body his small dagger and large knife.

The man blocked both his attacks. Ethan felt desperation come over him and a surge of adrenalin rush through his body.

He lifted his leg and kicked the man straight in his crotch. The man howled as he clutched at his crotch, forgetting to defend from Ethan's knife which was coming swiftly for his neck.

Ethan cut the man's head off. He felt extremely tired, and the pain that was radiating from his stomach area was the only thing that reminded him he could not faint here.

He walked towards the man who had his dagger stuck near his shoulder. The man- Wait. That was no man. He was just a kid who was in his teens!

He seemed to be around 12 or 13 years old. Ethan was momentarily reminded of his little brother, but he shook that thought out of his head. This was no time to be merciful.

In this harsh man eat man world, you cannot show mercy to anyone.

Under the 12 year olds fear stricken and desperate eyes, Ethan raised his knife and slashed at the boy.

The boy screamed as he felt intense pain overcome his whole body. He screamed and howled as he felt his life slowly seeping out from him.

Ethan then took all the food they had gathered, their weapons, and any valuables that they had, and slowly walked towards his home.

With sheer will and determination, he reached his home and entered it. He saw his brother, Arnold, with a broken leg lying on the makeshift bed.

His sister and brother were terrified when they saw their brother who was soaked in blood. Arnold was the only one who kept a level head, as he instructed his other siblings to clean the blood and help him lay down.

Arnold examined him and asked, "What happened?"

Ethan said in a voice that was extremely low and weak, "Tell them to go outside. I'll tell you everything."

Arnold signalled to Kara and Maxine to go outside.

They did as they were told and went outside. Maxine tried to listen to what they were talking about, but Kara stopped him.

Maxine groaned, "Let me listen to what they're talking about! It may be something important!"

Kara said in a soft voice, "It's adult stuff. Arnold already told us to go outside because he doesn't want us to listen."

Maxine whined, "But I'm only a year younger than Arnold! Don't I count as an adult? Anyway, he can't boss me around!"

Kara said while smiling, "Your whining shows your a kid."

Arnold rolled his eyes and said, "You're not whining, but your still here with me."

Kara understood what he wanted to say.

Authors note:

This chapter has been rewritten. All comments for it are for the previous version of this chapter. Please wait patiently as I rewrite the next chapters too.

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