Hullo there! I am back with my new story! Thanks to everyone who made a character/s for me, you'll all be tagged in the chapters you're in and this right now.
[The Characters]
Hayley, Evelyn & Teague - @HelloColdWorld
Aven & Gil - @Kra3tys
Eden - @AnotherLaDevotee
Quinton & Nixon - @Mr.PotatoHead
Pipin, Yuki, Joey & Koji - @AlfieeStep
Kor - @Aiden!
Thanks for reading~~
[The Characters]
Hayley, Evelyn & Teague - @HelloColdWorld
Aven & Gil - @Kra3tys
Eden - @AnotherLaDevotee
Quinton & Nixon - @Mr.PotatoHead
Pipin, Yuki, Joey & Koji - @AlfieeStep
Kor - @Aiden!
Thanks for reading~~
Dawn of Our Demise
It was a normal day, a normal plain day. Perfect choice for when the human race was about to die.
No one expected it, not even the ones who created the monsters. How the flesh eating undead came about was unknown, all those who helped make them were the first on the menu.
Science was the only thing to blame, test on those less fortunate then watch as karma comes along. It was the dawn of our demise. Almost no one survived the first day.
Day one of the end was like any film you'd watch. The zombies escaped the facility they were created in. You were either bitten or eaten, a choice no one wanted to make. But then again, no one got a choice.
The army would flood in, thinking they'd be able to save the day, they were gladly mistaken as hundreds were wiped out. As more soldiers came along, even more zombies joined. The infection that changed people was at full velocity, it took almost seconds for people to change, half eaten or not.
As the human race broke down, so did everything else. Those who survived armed themselves to the teeth. They went off in groups or disappeared alone. But the zombie infection never died. Months after the outbreak and people are still dying. There seems to be no end to the monsters.
Now it is day four hundred and ninety-two, over a year since the apocalypse began. It may be years before the zombies die, or the humans. A race of survival, they're among us, and they don't want to leave.
It was a normal day, a normal plain day. Perfect choice for when the human race was about to die.
No one expected it, not even the ones who created the monsters. How the flesh eating undead came about was unknown, all those who helped make them were the first on the menu.
Science was the only thing to blame, test on those less fortunate then watch as karma comes along. It was the dawn of our demise. Almost no one survived the first day.
Day one of the end was like any film you'd watch. The zombies escaped the facility they were created in. You were either bitten or eaten, a choice no one wanted to make. But then again, no one got a choice.
The army would flood in, thinking they'd be able to save the day, they were gladly mistaken as hundreds were wiped out. As more soldiers came along, even more zombies joined. The infection that changed people was at full velocity, it took almost seconds for people to change, half eaten or not.
As the human race broke down, so did everything else. Those who survived armed themselves to the teeth. They went off in groups or disappeared alone. But the zombie infection never died. Months after the outbreak and people are still dying. There seems to be no end to the monsters.
Now it is day four hundred and ninety-two, over a year since the apocalypse began. It may be years before the zombies die, or the humans. A race of survival, they're among us, and they don't want to leave.
Unexpected Guests (Gil's POV)
Crickets chirp while I sit on watch. I look up at the old clock tower, the dim lamps casting a creepy shadow over the hands. It was just after midnight, one more hour of my watch. I yawned, clapping my hand over my mouth. It had been almost four days since our last attack, but the group never relaxed. Hayley kept saying that the zombies are playing around with us. Teague says she's just trying to scare us. I'm not so sure, most things that she says becomes a reality. Whether that's good or bad, I can never tell.
I don't know what really happened after about ten minutes. One minute I was cleaning my handgun, next minute I was dead asleep. Luckily I'm a light sleeper, if not for that. We'd all be dead. The continuous sound of cricket chirping stopped, somehow jolting me awake. I guess the ominous silence did it. Looking up from my post, I squint at the dark. Before I knew it, a zombie launched itself at me.
'Aagh!' I cry out, stumbling back.
Surrounding the watch post was barbed wire. Thanks to that, the zombie managed to get lodged in between the barbs. It didn't seem to notice any of that as it continued crawling at the floor, trying to grab me. Not taking my eyes off the thing, I fumbled around, trying to get a hold of my crowbar. There, I could feel the cool metal under my fingers. Grabbing it with both hands, I swung it directly at the zombie, aiming for the head. The crowbar made impact and the zombie fell limp. Gingerly, I push back the zombie from off the barbed wire. It slumped down easily, making a thumping noise as it landed.
'Well, that was eventful.' I murmur to myself, panting a little.
'What was that?'
'Blah!'
Turning around I saw Eden looking at me weirdly. Her grey hair was all puffed up, I guessed she'd only just woken up. She wore a creased sweater and a plain pair of trousers. In one hand was a long blade that reached her knee. She yawned, wiping the sleep from her eyes.
'So? I heard you shouting,' she said, examining her knife.
'Oh...' I said, 'It was a zombie, getting stuck in the wire.'
'Ah, normal stuff then.'
'Yeah,' I answered, scratching the back of my head, 'Normal.'
I wouldn't say Eden is weird; it's just that even if you live in an apocalypse, calling this life 'normal' is kinda weird. Still, I like Eden, she is definitely an interesting person. With her ever-changing hair and startling purple eyes, she is a cool person in her own way.
'Do you want me to take over? You seem pretty-- Gil, watch out!' Eden cried out, looking behind me.
Before I could answer, I felt something jump on my back. Instantly, I fell on the ground. Dirty hands curled around my arms, keeping me in place. Struggling, I shouted to Eden,
'Get it off me!'
She didn't answer me because I realised she too was a little preoccupied. Looking up, I saw her circling a zombie, her knife out in front of her. With one slash, the zombie fell, dead.
But that wasn't it, watching with horror, I saw more and more climbing up. Somehow they'd learnt how to get past the barbed wire. Now they were climbing up, ready to kill. Squeezing my eyes shut, I screamed at the top of my lungs,
'ZOMBIE HORDE, SAVE YOURSELVES.'
[Characters mentioned/in this chapter]
Gil - @Kra3tys
Eden - @AnotherLaDevotee
Hayley & Teague - @HelloColdWorld
Crickets chirp while I sit on watch. I look up at the old clock tower, the dim lamps casting a creepy shadow over the hands. It was just after midnight, one more hour of my watch. I yawned, clapping my hand over my mouth. It had been almost four days since our last attack, but the group never relaxed. Hayley kept saying that the zombies are playing around with us. Teague says she's just trying to scare us. I'm not so sure, most things that she says becomes a reality. Whether that's good or bad, I can never tell.
I don't know what really happened after about ten minutes. One minute I was cleaning my handgun, next minute I was dead asleep. Luckily I'm a light sleeper, if not for that. We'd all be dead. The continuous sound of cricket chirping stopped, somehow jolting me awake. I guess the ominous silence did it. Looking up from my post, I squint at the dark. Before I knew it, a zombie launched itself at me.
'Aagh!' I cry out, stumbling back.
Surrounding the watch post was barbed wire. Thanks to that, the zombie managed to get lodged in between the barbs. It didn't seem to notice any of that as it continued crawling at the floor, trying to grab me. Not taking my eyes off the thing, I fumbled around, trying to get a hold of my crowbar. There, I could feel the cool metal under my fingers. Grabbing it with both hands, I swung it directly at the zombie, aiming for the head. The crowbar made impact and the zombie fell limp. Gingerly, I push back the zombie from off the barbed wire. It slumped down easily, making a thumping noise as it landed.
'Well, that was eventful.' I murmur to myself, panting a little.
'What was that?'
'Blah!'
Turning around I saw Eden looking at me weirdly. Her grey hair was all puffed up, I guessed she'd only just woken up. She wore a creased sweater and a plain pair of trousers. In one hand was a long blade that reached her knee. She yawned, wiping the sleep from her eyes.
'So? I heard you shouting,' she said, examining her knife.
'Oh...' I said, 'It was a zombie, getting stuck in the wire.'
'Ah, normal stuff then.'
'Yeah,' I answered, scratching the back of my head, 'Normal.'
I wouldn't say Eden is weird; it's just that even if you live in an apocalypse, calling this life 'normal' is kinda weird. Still, I like Eden, she is definitely an interesting person. With her ever-changing hair and startling purple eyes, she is a cool person in her own way.
'Do you want me to take over? You seem pretty-- Gil, watch out!' Eden cried out, looking behind me.
Before I could answer, I felt something jump on my back. Instantly, I fell on the ground. Dirty hands curled around my arms, keeping me in place. Struggling, I shouted to Eden,
'Get it off me!'
She didn't answer me because I realised she too was a little preoccupied. Looking up, I saw her circling a zombie, her knife out in front of her. With one slash, the zombie fell, dead.
But that wasn't it, watching with horror, I saw more and more climbing up. Somehow they'd learnt how to get past the barbed wire. Now they were climbing up, ready to kill. Squeezing my eyes shut, I screamed at the top of my lungs,
'ZOMBIE HORDE, SAVE YOURSELVES.'
[Characters mentioned/in this chapter]
Gil - @Kra3tys
Eden - @AnotherLaDevotee
Hayley & Teague - @HelloColdWorld
Gunshots and Screams (Aven's POV)
One of the things I hated most about this apocalypse wasn't the zombies; it was the lack of heating. I was hunched over a makeshift campfire, repeatedly flicking a zippo lighter. Small sparks sputtered from it, but no actual flame.
'Come on, come on!' I said, encouraging the lighter.
After about another five minutes of sitting in the dark, a flame perked up. A tiny flame flicked up, waving around rapidly. Covering the flame with my hand, I began lighting up my sad excuse of kindling. It took me a while, okay? I never did Boy Scouts or anything like that... Gil did, though. He would have been able to whip up a whole campfire with just two sticks, probably. I wasn't really sure what he could do, it's been a while since I've seen him. After he went off with that group...
Dark thoughts like this crept up all the time. The dread and guilt of leaving him. I didn't know if he was dead or alive. I was saved by these thoughts thanks to the sound of gunfire.
The shots made me jump, dropping the zippo lighter. I cursed, watching as the pathetic flame died. I went to grab it up when the gunshots continued. A horde perhaps, coming after a small group. They'd never survive with guns like that, it just attracts more of the damn things.
I began flicking at the lighter again, I didn't need to include myself in that. It would just get me killed. Call me selfish but I had a motto: Save yourself before anyone else. I was going to use this right now, seeing as I would probably die. But I changed my mind that night. I changed my mind just as the screaming started.
It was a gut-wrenching scream that echoed loudly. It stunted me on the spot, not just was someone screaming. It wasn't just that that made me get up wielding a sword. It was the fact that I knew exactly who it was screaming.
[Characters mentioned/in this chapter]
Aven & Gil - @Kra3tys
One of the things I hated most about this apocalypse wasn't the zombies; it was the lack of heating. I was hunched over a makeshift campfire, repeatedly flicking a zippo lighter. Small sparks sputtered from it, but no actual flame.
'Come on, come on!' I said, encouraging the lighter.
After about another five minutes of sitting in the dark, a flame perked up. A tiny flame flicked up, waving around rapidly. Covering the flame with my hand, I began lighting up my sad excuse of kindling. It took me a while, okay? I never did Boy Scouts or anything like that... Gil did, though. He would have been able to whip up a whole campfire with just two sticks, probably. I wasn't really sure what he could do, it's been a while since I've seen him. After he went off with that group...
Dark thoughts like this crept up all the time. The dread and guilt of leaving him. I didn't know if he was dead or alive. I was saved by these thoughts thanks to the sound of gunfire.
The shots made me jump, dropping the zippo lighter. I cursed, watching as the pathetic flame died. I went to grab it up when the gunshots continued. A horde perhaps, coming after a small group. They'd never survive with guns like that, it just attracts more of the damn things.
I began flicking at the lighter again, I didn't need to include myself in that. It would just get me killed. Call me selfish but I had a motto: Save yourself before anyone else. I was going to use this right now, seeing as I would probably die. But I changed my mind that night. I changed my mind just as the screaming started.
It was a gut-wrenching scream that echoed loudly. It stunted me on the spot, not just was someone screaming. It wasn't just that that made me get up wielding a sword. It was the fact that I knew exactly who it was screaming.
[Characters mentioned/in this chapter]
Aven & Gil - @Kra3tys
Walking in Blood (Hayley's POV)
One night, that's all it takes.
One night to kill hundreds.
Hundreds of humans or zombies you may ask.
Well, it mostly depends if I'm there.
I like to sleep, like a lot. So I don't really wake up easily. But thanks to almost dying every day, I wake up easier than usual. So when someone starts screaming and shouting, I actually wake up.
'SAVE YOURSELVES,' I heard someone scream, waking me up.
Looking around I found who was shouting, Gil. He was pinned under a zombie, one very close to eating his heart out. On impulse, I grabbed one of my guns, took aim and shot.
BANG!
The gun shot loudly, the bullet sliced the air and punctured the temple of the zombie. I cursed, realising I didn't have my silencer. One gun shot could bring so many zombies, and we already had too many.
I saw Gil stand up slowly, very much shaken up. His red hair was tousled all over the place and his glasses weren't on his face. I looked over to see Eden, at least I thought it was Eden. Her hair was now brown, flying all over the place as she slashed through multiple zombies.
I stood up myself, grabbing both of my guns. Taking aim, I shot down at least two zombies, no longer caring about the gunshots. The louder they were, the more likely everyone would wake up.
'HAYLEY, PUT THE DAMNED SILENCERS ON!' Teague shouted, waking up suddenly.
'It's too late now, they're already here!' I retaliated, shooting another zombie in the head.
Teague was probably the worst one of this group. With his cocky grin and pretentious ways, he knew how to wind me up too quickly. He wriggled out of his sleeping bag and grabbed his crossbow.
'Might as well put 'em on now. Better to attract less on them.' He said, loading the crossbow.
'Small problem with that, I haven't got the time.' I answered, catching a zombie in the knee.
He ignored my remark and asked, 'Where did they all come from?'
'Not sure, I woke up to the sound of Gil shouting. I'm guessing they worked out how to climb up. Like I said they would.' I said, emphasising on that last sentence.
'Whatever.' Was all he said.
I ignored him and carried on shooting, I looked around to check if everyone was awake. Behind me was Nyx, the youngest of our group. He was cradling his baseball bat we found a week ago. I had never seen him use it as a weapon, I doubted he ever would.
'We need to get out of here. There's no way we can save this place.' I said to Teague, who nodded in agreement.
'Get Nixon and Eden, I'll get Gil.' He answered, shooting down a zombie.
I nodded and ran towards Nyx. Seeing him up close his face was a look of pure terror. His eyes darted all over the place, scared of anything. Luckily no zombies had got far enough to reach him.
'Nyx! Grab what you need, we're leaving this place.' I shouted to him.
'Leaving? But where to?' He asked, his voice high pitched.
'Just grab your stuff, and some supplies, okay?' I said, unsure how to answer his questions.
With a quick nod, he went to work, picking up his sleeping bag and Teague's too. Even when he's frightened, he can work quickly. I looked around once more, trying to find Eden. She was a very speedy girl, able to take down a group of zombies in seconds.
'Eden? Eden! We're going!' I shouted, unable to find her.
Out of nowhere, Eden appeared holding a bloody knife. Her hair was now light grey and her eyes were shining.
'There's no way out! I checked all possible exits and they're clogged with zombies.' She said, breathlessly.
'Don't worry Eden,' I said, reloading my guns, 'We'll make a way out.'
[Characters mentioned/in this chapter]
Hayley & Teague - @HelloColdWorld
Gil - @Kra3tys
Eden - @AnotherLaDevotee
Nixon/Nyx - @Mr.PotatoHead
One night, that's all it takes.
One night to kill hundreds.
Hundreds of humans or zombies you may ask.
Well, it mostly depends if I'm there.
I like to sleep, like a lot. So I don't really wake up easily. But thanks to almost dying every day, I wake up easier than usual. So when someone starts screaming and shouting, I actually wake up.
'SAVE YOURSELVES,' I heard someone scream, waking me up.
Looking around I found who was shouting, Gil. He was pinned under a zombie, one very close to eating his heart out. On impulse, I grabbed one of my guns, took aim and shot.
BANG!
The gun shot loudly, the bullet sliced the air and punctured the temple of the zombie. I cursed, realising I didn't have my silencer. One gun shot could bring so many zombies, and we already had too many.
I saw Gil stand up slowly, very much shaken up. His red hair was tousled all over the place and his glasses weren't on his face. I looked over to see Eden, at least I thought it was Eden. Her hair was now brown, flying all over the place as she slashed through multiple zombies.
I stood up myself, grabbing both of my guns. Taking aim, I shot down at least two zombies, no longer caring about the gunshots. The louder they were, the more likely everyone would wake up.
'HAYLEY, PUT THE DAMNED SILENCERS ON!' Teague shouted, waking up suddenly.
'It's too late now, they're already here!' I retaliated, shooting another zombie in the head.
Teague was probably the worst one of this group. With his cocky grin and pretentious ways, he knew how to wind me up too quickly. He wriggled out of his sleeping bag and grabbed his crossbow.
'Might as well put 'em on now. Better to attract less on them.' He said, loading the crossbow.
'Small problem with that, I haven't got the time.' I answered, catching a zombie in the knee.
He ignored my remark and asked, 'Where did they all come from?'
'Not sure, I woke up to the sound of Gil shouting. I'm guessing they worked out how to climb up. Like I said they would.' I said, emphasising on that last sentence.
'Whatever.' Was all he said.
I ignored him and carried on shooting, I looked around to check if everyone was awake. Behind me was Nyx, the youngest of our group. He was cradling his baseball bat we found a week ago. I had never seen him use it as a weapon, I doubted he ever would.
'We need to get out of here. There's no way we can save this place.' I said to Teague, who nodded in agreement.
'Get Nixon and Eden, I'll get Gil.' He answered, shooting down a zombie.
I nodded and ran towards Nyx. Seeing him up close his face was a look of pure terror. His eyes darted all over the place, scared of anything. Luckily no zombies had got far enough to reach him.
'Nyx! Grab what you need, we're leaving this place.' I shouted to him.
'Leaving? But where to?' He asked, his voice high pitched.
'Just grab your stuff, and some supplies, okay?' I said, unsure how to answer his questions.
With a quick nod, he went to work, picking up his sleeping bag and Teague's too. Even when he's frightened, he can work quickly. I looked around once more, trying to find Eden. She was a very speedy girl, able to take down a group of zombies in seconds.
'Eden? Eden! We're going!' I shouted, unable to find her.
Out of nowhere, Eden appeared holding a bloody knife. Her hair was now light grey and her eyes were shining.
'There's no way out! I checked all possible exits and they're clogged with zombies.' She said, breathlessly.
'Don't worry Eden,' I said, reloading my guns, 'We'll make a way out.'
[Characters mentioned/in this chapter]
Hayley & Teague - @HelloColdWorld
Gil - @Kra3tys
Eden - @AnotherLaDevotee
Nixon/Nyx - @Mr.PotatoHead
All My Fault (Quinton's POV)
SLASH SLASH
One down.
SLASH SWIP
Two down.
This routine carried on for a while, I slashed down zombies left and right. Blood covered my forearm but it wasn't mine, it never was. To me, the apocalypse was a godsend. The one way I could escape my mother. I don't know what has happened to her, and to be honest, I don't care.
The only thing I worry about is Nyx. My little brother who isn't fully my brother. I'm not scared of dying, it's him that I'm scared to see die. I don't want to say he's weak, but he is. Scared of his own two feet in my opinion. I made a choice, one that I haven't regretted, yet. I left him with a small group, they could protect him better than I could. I didn't go with them because I don't need their help. I check up on them sometimes, I may let them protect Nyx, but it doesn't mean I trust them fully.
Tonight is my check up. I got sidetracked and now I travel in the dark. Not something I recommend, but I need to make sure Nyx is okay. If not, they'll be hell to pay. At nighttime, there is more zombie activity, don't ask me why there just is. Because of this I just kill, taking down zombies one at a time.
My dagger makes contact with a zombie's skull. I watch as it crumpled to the ground, lifeless. I grit my teeth, this is taking too long. I won't even make it my sunrise. I couldn't just wait, though, I had to make sure Nyx was okay. Guilt rushes through me, I should never have left him. Only I can protect him, no one else.
My guilt turns to rage and I bolt. I run as fast as I can, feet flying across the wet tarmac. I shouldn't of left him, he needs to be with me. Once I get to him, he's never leaving my side. I keep running until I can't breathe. I trip slightly, feet falling everywhere. My momentum taking me too far. I fall over, my face hitting the ground hard.
I curse, my face slightly burning. I get up gingerly, knowing not to stick around too long. My rampant sprint must have caught the attention of something. My breathing comes out thick and heavy, I have no idea I far I ran.
Rage does that to a person.
Standing there, hearing only my breathing sent chills down my spine. So lonely, but not at all. Gunshots echo through the silence, jolting me from my daze. Looking up I see nothing, the gunshots continue on. My heart beat speeds up; what if that's Nyx's group?
Instantly, I'm up again. Running as fast as before. He's in danger, he needs my help, I shouldn't have left him. Thoughts plague me as I run once again. I'll make it, I'll make it in time. No... No, I have to make it.
While running I hear the sound of zombies groaning. A psychotic smile forms on my face. I pull out my dagger, still bloody from my last kills. I carry on running, but I'm ready. I grip my blade tightly as I start killing once more.
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Quinton/Quinn & Nixon/Nyx - @Mr.PotatoHead
SLASH SLASH
One down.
SLASH SWIP
Two down.
This routine carried on for a while, I slashed down zombies left and right. Blood covered my forearm but it wasn't mine, it never was. To me, the apocalypse was a godsend. The one way I could escape my mother. I don't know what has happened to her, and to be honest, I don't care.
The only thing I worry about is Nyx. My little brother who isn't fully my brother. I'm not scared of dying, it's him that I'm scared to see die. I don't want to say he's weak, but he is. Scared of his own two feet in my opinion. I made a choice, one that I haven't regretted, yet. I left him with a small group, they could protect him better than I could. I didn't go with them because I don't need their help. I check up on them sometimes, I may let them protect Nyx, but it doesn't mean I trust them fully.
Tonight is my check up. I got sidetracked and now I travel in the dark. Not something I recommend, but I need to make sure Nyx is okay. If not, they'll be hell to pay. At nighttime, there is more zombie activity, don't ask me why there just is. Because of this I just kill, taking down zombies one at a time.
My dagger makes contact with a zombie's skull. I watch as it crumpled to the ground, lifeless. I grit my teeth, this is taking too long. I won't even make it my sunrise. I couldn't just wait, though, I had to make sure Nyx was okay. Guilt rushes through me, I should never have left him. Only I can protect him, no one else.
My guilt turns to rage and I bolt. I run as fast as I can, feet flying across the wet tarmac. I shouldn't of left him, he needs to be with me. Once I get to him, he's never leaving my side. I keep running until I can't breathe. I trip slightly, feet falling everywhere. My momentum taking me too far. I fall over, my face hitting the ground hard.
I curse, my face slightly burning. I get up gingerly, knowing not to stick around too long. My rampant sprint must have caught the attention of something. My breathing comes out thick and heavy, I have no idea I far I ran.
Rage does that to a person.
Standing there, hearing only my breathing sent chills down my spine. So lonely, but not at all. Gunshots echo through the silence, jolting me from my daze. Looking up I see nothing, the gunshots continue on. My heart beat speeds up; what if that's Nyx's group?
Instantly, I'm up again. Running as fast as before. He's in danger, he needs my help, I shouldn't have left him. Thoughts plague me as I run once again. I'll make it, I'll make it in time. No... No, I have to make it.
While running I hear the sound of zombies groaning. A psychotic smile forms on my face. I pull out my dagger, still bloody from my last kills. I carry on running, but I'm ready. I grip my blade tightly as I start killing once more.
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Quinton/Quinn & Nixon/Nyx - @Mr.PotatoHead
A Familiar Figure (Kor's POV)
It was my turn to hunt. I walk towards the forest, my kodachi hidden away. Well, the forest isn't really an actual forest. Just a nature park that I've named a forest. It sounds better to say 'I was in the forest' rather than 'I sat on a bench in the nature park'.
Pipin said I shouldn't go at night. It's apparently too dangerous in the dark. Sorry to disappoint Pipin, but it's always dangerous. And anyway, there's more prey at night.
I've been to this forest hundreds of times. Before the apocalypse in fact. I would take nature strolls with my family. Now I walk this path alone.
In the dark, everything looks sinister. The trees curled over, their branches gnarled and crude. My hands rest on my kodachi, ready to strike. In the forest, not many walkers are here, but it's always best to be cautious.
It's been almost an hour, I've walked down the paths. Trying to find anything worth eating. Everything is too small, too hard to catch and too much fur. I grit my teeth, a chill has settled, freezing me up. If I don't find something I get back soon, I'll turn into an ice cube.
CRACK!
A twig snapping brings me back from my thoughts. I look up, studying my surroundings. Lots of trees fill the area, the ground is littered with twigs. Something or someone must have snapped it. Either a walker or a deer maybe. Regardless of what it is, I'll probably be killing it.
I unsheath my kodachi, the blades ringing against the sheath. I hold them in each hand, the weight is comforting. I've always enjoyed the feeling on them, either strapped onto my back or in my hands. Since I was young I'd practised using them, never knowing I'd ever use them.
I walk into the darkness, careful not the step on anything on the ground. My eyes adjust to the darkness and I carry on walking. Moonlight shines through the dense trees, illuminating a deer. I stop walking, hidden behind a tree. If I strike out, I can kill it in one swipe. Take it back and have venison with the group.
I step out from behind the tree, ready to strike. But my kill is taken from me before I can even come close. A figure lashes out first, knocking the deer to the ground. Another second pass and the deer is dead. My throat catches at the person's reflexes, my eyes go wide when I realise who it is.
'Evelyn?'
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Kor - @Hallowaiden
Pipin - @AlfieeStep
Evelyn - @HelloColdWorld
It was my turn to hunt. I walk towards the forest, my kodachi hidden away. Well, the forest isn't really an actual forest. Just a nature park that I've named a forest. It sounds better to say 'I was in the forest' rather than 'I sat on a bench in the nature park'.
Pipin said I shouldn't go at night. It's apparently too dangerous in the dark. Sorry to disappoint Pipin, but it's always dangerous. And anyway, there's more prey at night.
I've been to this forest hundreds of times. Before the apocalypse in fact. I would take nature strolls with my family. Now I walk this path alone.
In the dark, everything looks sinister. The trees curled over, their branches gnarled and crude. My hands rest on my kodachi, ready to strike. In the forest, not many walkers are here, but it's always best to be cautious.
It's been almost an hour, I've walked down the paths. Trying to find anything worth eating. Everything is too small, too hard to catch and too much fur. I grit my teeth, a chill has settled, freezing me up. If I don't find something I get back soon, I'll turn into an ice cube.
CRACK!
A twig snapping brings me back from my thoughts. I look up, studying my surroundings. Lots of trees fill the area, the ground is littered with twigs. Something or someone must have snapped it. Either a walker or a deer maybe. Regardless of what it is, I'll probably be killing it.
I unsheath my kodachi, the blades ringing against the sheath. I hold them in each hand, the weight is comforting. I've always enjoyed the feeling on them, either strapped onto my back or in my hands. Since I was young I'd practised using them, never knowing I'd ever use them.
I walk into the darkness, careful not the step on anything on the ground. My eyes adjust to the darkness and I carry on walking. Moonlight shines through the dense trees, illuminating a deer. I stop walking, hidden behind a tree. If I strike out, I can kill it in one swipe. Take it back and have venison with the group.
I step out from behind the tree, ready to strike. But my kill is taken from me before I can even come close. A figure lashes out first, knocking the deer to the ground. Another second pass and the deer is dead. My throat catches at the person's reflexes, my eyes go wide when I realise who it is.
'Evelyn?'
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Kor - @Hallowaiden
Pipin - @AlfieeStep
Evelyn - @HelloColdWorld
Town Hall's Last Stand (Teague's POV)
I was finally calming down, finally settling down. I had understood the entire workings of this place. The town hall of a shabby town became our home. Now it's being overrun.
Again.
The torches we have on cast eerie shadows on the whole group. Hayley has finally got the silencers on, idiot. Who doesn't do that? That's the reason we got them, so she won't attract more. Eden is off somewhere, not sure at all. She's too quick and likes to sneak up on me. Nixon is hiding behind me, arms full of stuff. The little coward, if he gets stuck, I'm not saving him. Gil is finally up, in his arms is his crowbar, his handgun resting on his hip. I have my crossbow, a sleek piece of weaponry.
'We have to fight our way out!' Hayley shouts to me, shooting zombies down flawlessly.
I grunt, shooting a zombie in the head. By the looks of it, we can't fight our way out. As soon as we take one zombie down, another one joins the horde. It'll be impossible to get us all out, too difficult.
'Which exit is our best option, Eden?' Gil asks, pushing his glasses up.
Eden appears out of nowhere, she now holds a steel baseball bat. By the looks of, it has razor blades stuck to the top. The whole thing drips with black blood, slipping onto her fingers. She doesn't seem to care, her expression is grim.
'The main entrance has been completely knocked out. Once some starting climbing, others started pushing. All the windows are smashed out, some climbing through there. Our best bet is probably... the main entrance.' She finishes, wiping blood on herself.
I curse, that honestly can't be our best bet, right? I guess we'll have to just blast our way out. I reload my crossbow and look to the shamble that is a group.
'Come on then, let's get going.'
The layout of the town hall is simple. We usually stay in the main part, it's on the second floor. An advantage I thought we had. Up front there is a balcony, we covered the place with barbed wire after zombies starting climbing. Zombies are crawling up the staircase. The town hall is a very open and accessible building, a disadvantage I forgot about.
We have to get downstairs, past all the zombies then get past all the ones coming through the entrance. Then run for our lives, not good odds. If we had a shotgun, one that didn't attract more, of course, it could help.
'Right, listen up. This will be hard, you can probably tell that. Hopefully, this won't make this worse but, we need to split up.' I said, looking at the group.
Eden nods, she probably had that thought herself. She just didn't want to say it. Nixon freezes up, quivering on the spot. I never realised how much of a coward that kid was until now.
'I'll take Nyx, you take Eden and Gil,' Hayley said, reloading her gun. 'I and Nyx can find another way out, you can go out front.'
'That's probably a better idea than us all going through the front, no offence Eden.' Gil said, quickly adding the last part.
'No, I understand, I advise that you go through a smashed window or something.' Eden answered, tightening her grip on the bat.
We all nod in agreement, no one makes plans on where we should meet. By the grim faces, everyone has, no one is expecting we will all survive the night.
'Good luck then, see you on the other side.' I say, heading towards the staircase.
'Come on, Nyx.' I hear Hayley say, her footsteps echoing on the floor.
I turn to see only Eden and Gil before me. They both are tightly gripping their weapons.
'Let's get this over and done with, eh?' I say, a small grin on my face.
They both nod and with that, we charge.
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Teague & Hayley - @HelloColdWorld
Eden - @AnotherLaDevotee
Nixon/Nyx - @Mr.PotatoHead
Gil - @Kra3tys
I was finally calming down, finally settling down. I had understood the entire workings of this place. The town hall of a shabby town became our home. Now it's being overrun.
Again.
The torches we have on cast eerie shadows on the whole group. Hayley has finally got the silencers on, idiot. Who doesn't do that? That's the reason we got them, so she won't attract more. Eden is off somewhere, not sure at all. She's too quick and likes to sneak up on me. Nixon is hiding behind me, arms full of stuff. The little coward, if he gets stuck, I'm not saving him. Gil is finally up, in his arms is his crowbar, his handgun resting on his hip. I have my crossbow, a sleek piece of weaponry.
'We have to fight our way out!' Hayley shouts to me, shooting zombies down flawlessly.
I grunt, shooting a zombie in the head. By the looks of it, we can't fight our way out. As soon as we take one zombie down, another one joins the horde. It'll be impossible to get us all out, too difficult.
'Which exit is our best option, Eden?' Gil asks, pushing his glasses up.
Eden appears out of nowhere, she now holds a steel baseball bat. By the looks of, it has razor blades stuck to the top. The whole thing drips with black blood, slipping onto her fingers. She doesn't seem to care, her expression is grim.
'The main entrance has been completely knocked out. Once some starting climbing, others started pushing. All the windows are smashed out, some climbing through there. Our best bet is probably... the main entrance.' She finishes, wiping blood on herself.
I curse, that honestly can't be our best bet, right? I guess we'll have to just blast our way out. I reload my crossbow and look to the shamble that is a group.
'Come on then, let's get going.'
The layout of the town hall is simple. We usually stay in the main part, it's on the second floor. An advantage I thought we had. Up front there is a balcony, we covered the place with barbed wire after zombies starting climbing. Zombies are crawling up the staircase. The town hall is a very open and accessible building, a disadvantage I forgot about.
We have to get downstairs, past all the zombies then get past all the ones coming through the entrance. Then run for our lives, not good odds. If we had a shotgun, one that didn't attract more, of course, it could help.
'Right, listen up. This will be hard, you can probably tell that. Hopefully, this won't make this worse but, we need to split up.' I said, looking at the group.
Eden nods, she probably had that thought herself. She just didn't want to say it. Nixon freezes up, quivering on the spot. I never realised how much of a coward that kid was until now.
'I'll take Nyx, you take Eden and Gil,' Hayley said, reloading her gun. 'I and Nyx can find another way out, you can go out front.'
'That's probably a better idea than us all going through the front, no offence Eden.' Gil said, quickly adding the last part.
'No, I understand, I advise that you go through a smashed window or something.' Eden answered, tightening her grip on the bat.
We all nod in agreement, no one makes plans on where we should meet. By the grim faces, everyone has, no one is expecting we will all survive the night.
'Good luck then, see you on the other side.' I say, heading towards the staircase.
'Come on, Nyx.' I hear Hayley say, her footsteps echoing on the floor.
I turn to see only Eden and Gil before me. They both are tightly gripping their weapons.
'Let's get this over and done with, eh?' I say, a small grin on my face.
They both nod and with that, we charge.
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Teague & Hayley - @HelloColdWorld
Eden - @AnotherLaDevotee
Nixon/Nyx - @Mr.PotatoHead
Gil - @Kra3tys
Running Into Nowhere (Nyx's POV)
'Nyx! Come on!'
I snap back to reality at the call of my name. Looking at Hayley gives me slight hope. Although her expression seems a little fearful, I can tell she is only fretting over me.
I catch up with her, my backpack jolting against my back. I filled it up with as many supplies I could get. Two sleeping bags, a dozen cans of non-perishables and a bunch of bullets. They were the last thing I packed.
Darting around I knew Hayley had no clue where to go. The others are basically our distraction, fighting so we can get away. But we can't find our way out.
'What about that window?' I ask, hoping my voice isn't quivering.
Hayley shakes her head before answering, 'I don't think we can, we're on the second floor. Unless we climbed down.'
'Let's do that then! It's our best bet, isn't it?' I said, pleading with her.
'I guess, come on.'
Hayley grabs my free hand and drags me to the window. It is mostly intact but there are webs of cracks here and there.
'The bat please,' Hayley says, holding her hand out.
I give her my baseball bat, we found it while going to an abandoned store. I haven't used it yet, I only have it in emergencies. Gripping the bat tight, Hayley swings at the window.
SMASH!
The window breaks up immediately, making me flinch. Shards of glass fly everywhere, I cover my face trying to avoid the broken glass. Hayley ignores the glass and carries on smashing until there is only a frame.
'Come on, give me your stuff.' She says, handing the bat back.
I take the bat back and hand her my backpack. Instantly, she throws it out of the window. I try not to protest, watching the bag fall to the ground. I look out the window to see the bag lying on the dirt.
'It's a long way down, kiddo,' Hayley says, looking out the window too. 'I could jump out, but I can't guarantee I won't break anything. Also, I don't know how you'll get out.'
'Is there a supply cupboard here?' I ask, formulating a plan.
'Most likely, let's go.' She says, grabbing my hand again.
We run around the second floor, checking every room. I never looked around this place. I mostly stayed in the main area. Eden probably knows if there's a supply cupboard. I run into a room, it looks like it was used for meetings. A large table fills the room with leather chairs around it. I look around the room, hoping to find another door.
There! In the corner of the room is a shut door, I run up to it and try the handle. The handle resisted as I pull down on it. Locked. I kick at the door but it does nothing, I run out looking for Hayley.
'I think I found one!' I shout, looking around for her.
Hayley runs out of a room, looking around. She sees me and runs over.
'So?' She asks, panting.
'It's locked, I couldn't get in.' I answer, looking at the ground.
'Don't worry, kiddo,' Hayley says, cracking her knuckles, 'I got this.'
Five minutes later Hayley kicked down the door and we found a ladder. Hopefully, it's long enough. We go back to the smashed out window where we ease it out the window. It hits the ground with a thud, both of us holding the other end.
'Good work, Nyx, do you want to go first?' Hayley asks, grabbing my baseball bat.
I shake my head, 'You go first, I'll hold onto the top.'
'If you say so, kid.' Hayley says, stepping onto the ladder.
I grip onto the top of the ladder as Hayley climbs down. The ladder shakes uneasily as she shimmies down but she says nothing.
She steps off the ladder, looking up at me, 'Your turn, Nyx.'
I tremble as I step on the ladder. Immediately it shakes under my weight, a small whimper escapes me as it rattles about.
'Don't worry, I got you. Just climb down and you'll be on the ground again.' Hayley says, encouraging me.
I grip onto the ladder so tightly my knuckles turn white, I stiffly climb down. Shaking uncontrollably as I make my way down. I never liked height, I was feeling okay about this until I got on the ladder. Now I want to get off but I also don't want to let go.
The steps seem never ending as I dare not look down. It feels like I've been on the ladder for an eternity as I keep going. Even when I step on the ground, I'm still shaking.
'We'll leave the ladder, in case the other back up.' Hayley says, looking up at the window.
I nod, unable to speak. I grab my bag, adjusting it on my back. Looking around us, all I see is trees. This town we've been in for a while is basically in the middle of a forest. Most of the trees have been cut down but there is still acres of land.
'Let's go Nyx.' Hayley says, holding her hand out.
I grab her hand and we run from the town hall.
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Nixon/Nyx - @Mr.PotatoHead
Hayley - @HelloColdWorld
Eden - @AnotherLaDevotee
'Nyx! Come on!'
I snap back to reality at the call of my name. Looking at Hayley gives me slight hope. Although her expression seems a little fearful, I can tell she is only fretting over me.
I catch up with her, my backpack jolting against my back. I filled it up with as many supplies I could get. Two sleeping bags, a dozen cans of non-perishables and a bunch of bullets. They were the last thing I packed.
Darting around I knew Hayley had no clue where to go. The others are basically our distraction, fighting so we can get away. But we can't find our way out.
'What about that window?' I ask, hoping my voice isn't quivering.
Hayley shakes her head before answering, 'I don't think we can, we're on the second floor. Unless we climbed down.'
'Let's do that then! It's our best bet, isn't it?' I said, pleading with her.
'I guess, come on.'
Hayley grabs my free hand and drags me to the window. It is mostly intact but there are webs of cracks here and there.
'The bat please,' Hayley says, holding her hand out.
I give her my baseball bat, we found it while going to an abandoned store. I haven't used it yet, I only have it in emergencies. Gripping the bat tight, Hayley swings at the window.
SMASH!
The window breaks up immediately, making me flinch. Shards of glass fly everywhere, I cover my face trying to avoid the broken glass. Hayley ignores the glass and carries on smashing until there is only a frame.
'Come on, give me your stuff.' She says, handing the bat back.
I take the bat back and hand her my backpack. Instantly, she throws it out of the window. I try not to protest, watching the bag fall to the ground. I look out the window to see the bag lying on the dirt.
'It's a long way down, kiddo,' Hayley says, looking out the window too. 'I could jump out, but I can't guarantee I won't break anything. Also, I don't know how you'll get out.'
'Is there a supply cupboard here?' I ask, formulating a plan.
'Most likely, let's go.' She says, grabbing my hand again.
We run around the second floor, checking every room. I never looked around this place. I mostly stayed in the main area. Eden probably knows if there's a supply cupboard. I run into a room, it looks like it was used for meetings. A large table fills the room with leather chairs around it. I look around the room, hoping to find another door.
There! In the corner of the room is a shut door, I run up to it and try the handle. The handle resisted as I pull down on it. Locked. I kick at the door but it does nothing, I run out looking for Hayley.
'I think I found one!' I shout, looking around for her.
Hayley runs out of a room, looking around. She sees me and runs over.
'So?' She asks, panting.
'It's locked, I couldn't get in.' I answer, looking at the ground.
'Don't worry, kiddo,' Hayley says, cracking her knuckles, 'I got this.'
Five minutes later Hayley kicked down the door and we found a ladder. Hopefully, it's long enough. We go back to the smashed out window where we ease it out the window. It hits the ground with a thud, both of us holding the other end.
'Good work, Nyx, do you want to go first?' Hayley asks, grabbing my baseball bat.
I shake my head, 'You go first, I'll hold onto the top.'
'If you say so, kid.' Hayley says, stepping onto the ladder.
I grip onto the top of the ladder as Hayley climbs down. The ladder shakes uneasily as she shimmies down but she says nothing.
She steps off the ladder, looking up at me, 'Your turn, Nyx.'
I tremble as I step on the ladder. Immediately it shakes under my weight, a small whimper escapes me as it rattles about.
'Don't worry, I got you. Just climb down and you'll be on the ground again.' Hayley says, encouraging me.
I grip onto the ladder so tightly my knuckles turn white, I stiffly climb down. Shaking uncontrollably as I make my way down. I never liked height, I was feeling okay about this until I got on the ladder. Now I want to get off but I also don't want to let go.
The steps seem never ending as I dare not look down. It feels like I've been on the ladder for an eternity as I keep going. Even when I step on the ground, I'm still shaking.
'We'll leave the ladder, in case the other back up.' Hayley says, looking up at the window.
I nod, unable to speak. I grab my bag, adjusting it on my back. Looking around us, all I see is trees. This town we've been in for a while is basically in the middle of a forest. Most of the trees have been cut down but there is still acres of land.
'Let's go Nyx.' Hayley says, holding her hand out.
I grab her hand and we run from the town hall.
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Nixon/Nyx - @Mr.PotatoHead
Hayley - @HelloColdWorld
Eden - @AnotherLaDevotee
Something Sinister (Koji's POV)
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Why did Pipin let that little runt go hunting? He knows I am better at killing. I could bring back something within five minutes. That kid has been out for almost two hours and I'm starving.
I sharpen my katana, in case anyone else annoys me. Of course, none of them know that. But if anyone thinks of grinding my gears, they'll meet the end of my blade. Another problem with that is I can't get rid of them. If I did, who'd cook my meals and give me protection? Except maybe I can kill Kor, he bugs me the most.
He just walked in flashing his kodachi like he's the coolest kid on the block. I thought the group would shun him, instead they opened their arms wide. It's been just us for the whole apocalypse then he comes along and everything goes wrong.
Except no one thinks everything has gone wrong. Truthfully, nothing has yet. But I know he'll do something, become a traitor, kill the group. No way, little boy, that's my job.
'Koji? What are you doing?' Yuki's voice snaps me out of my trance, halting my sharpening.
I scoff and hold up my katana, 'Isn't it obvious?' I say, disgust in my voice.
'I was just asking, jeez.,' Yuki says, getting defensive.
'Whatever,' I say, ignoring him.
Yuki is my twin, not always a nice thought. He thinks he has to be the hero and save the day. But even if he did need to save the day, he'd be saving it because of me. Yuki dyed his hair black, covering up his once orange hair. I guess having me as a twin isn't a nice thought either, I mean, he dyed his hair because of me.
He says it's because he doesn't want to be 'confused with me'. Which means, 'I don't want to look like you, at all.' Nice going brother, very nice. But you could say I got my payback.
Before the apocalypse, before Yuki dyed his hair before I forgot what feelings were, we were an alright family. Not a perfect one, not in the slightest. But a comfortable one. But I guess that changed when I found out our parent's secret.
You could say I was doing Yuki and I a favour, they deserved it, I will never regret it. Why I thought Pipin and Joey's parents deserved it, I guess we'll never know. But I don't regret that either, the only thing I regret is not doing it sooner.
A knock at the door makes me look up. Finally, the kid is back. Hopefully with something good. Pipin gets up to open the door, the door is always locked. Something I found stupid because zombies can't use door handles but Pipin ignored me when I said that.
Pipin unlocks the door, me, Joey and Yuki wait for Kor to enter. We've all been sitting around waiting for food. The door creaks open and Kor comes in, in his arms is half a deer. Only half? This runt couldn't even carry a whole deer by himself, pathetic.
But he isn't the only one to come in. Following behind him is a girl. In her arms is the other half of the deer. I grip my katana, scowling. Pipin stares, confusion on his face. Joey also stares, Yuki is looking away. I scowl at Kor, I knew he was going to do something wrong, and this was it.
'I'm not staying, so stop your gawking.' The girl says surprising braver than I thought.
Pipin and Joey snap out of their trances but I unsheathe my katana.
'If you're not staying, why are you here?' I ask, standing up.
'Just helping a friend, I'm not going to kill you.' She says, ignoring my katana.
'Guys, enough. She's my friend.' Kor says, interrupting our stand-off.
'Who is she then?' Joey asks, blinking quickly.
'Does it matter? I told you this was a bad idea Kor, no one trusts me. But then again, you shouldn't,' the girl says, looking me in the eye.
Her grey eyes drive right into me, making my skin crawl. I look away first, unable to look into her daunting eyes. A smirk forms on her face, thinking she's won. That was a big mistake.
Instantly, I'm at her throat. My katana, rests on her pale neck, urging to cut her skin. She doesn't even flinch, but her pulse speeds up.
With gritted teeth, I say, 'You made a big mistake coming here, little girl.'
Her mouth curls into a scowl. With one swift kick, she takes me onto the ground, my katana skittering off. She stands up, dusting off her hands. She walks to the door while I curse, reaching for my katana.
Turning around one more time, the girl says, 'I'm not scared of you and don't call me little girl.'
The door slams and she's gone. My vision turns red, no one has ever gotten me this mad. I grit my teeth and clench my fist. That girl is going to die, that I can make sure of.
She won't last another week.
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Koji, Yuki, Pipin & Joey - @AlfieeStep
Kor - @Hallowaiden
Evelyn - @HelloColdWorld
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Why did Pipin let that little runt go hunting? He knows I am better at killing. I could bring back something within five minutes. That kid has been out for almost two hours and I'm starving.
I sharpen my katana, in case anyone else annoys me. Of course, none of them know that. But if anyone thinks of grinding my gears, they'll meet the end of my blade. Another problem with that is I can't get rid of them. If I did, who'd cook my meals and give me protection? Except maybe I can kill Kor, he bugs me the most.
He just walked in flashing his kodachi like he's the coolest kid on the block. I thought the group would shun him, instead they opened their arms wide. It's been just us for the whole apocalypse then he comes along and everything goes wrong.
Except no one thinks everything has gone wrong. Truthfully, nothing has yet. But I know he'll do something, become a traitor, kill the group. No way, little boy, that's my job.
'Koji? What are you doing?' Yuki's voice snaps me out of my trance, halting my sharpening.
I scoff and hold up my katana, 'Isn't it obvious?' I say, disgust in my voice.
'I was just asking, jeez.,' Yuki says, getting defensive.
'Whatever,' I say, ignoring him.
Yuki is my twin, not always a nice thought. He thinks he has to be the hero and save the day. But even if he did need to save the day, he'd be saving it because of me. Yuki dyed his hair black, covering up his once orange hair. I guess having me as a twin isn't a nice thought either, I mean, he dyed his hair because of me.
He says it's because he doesn't want to be 'confused with me'. Which means, 'I don't want to look like you, at all.' Nice going brother, very nice. But you could say I got my payback.
Before the apocalypse, before Yuki dyed his hair before I forgot what feelings were, we were an alright family. Not a perfect one, not in the slightest. But a comfortable one. But I guess that changed when I found out our parent's secret.
You could say I was doing Yuki and I a favour, they deserved it, I will never regret it. Why I thought Pipin and Joey's parents deserved it, I guess we'll never know. But I don't regret that either, the only thing I regret is not doing it sooner.
A knock at the door makes me look up. Finally, the kid is back. Hopefully with something good. Pipin gets up to open the door, the door is always locked. Something I found stupid because zombies can't use door handles but Pipin ignored me when I said that.
Pipin unlocks the door, me, Joey and Yuki wait for Kor to enter. We've all been sitting around waiting for food. The door creaks open and Kor comes in, in his arms is half a deer. Only half? This runt couldn't even carry a whole deer by himself, pathetic.
But he isn't the only one to come in. Following behind him is a girl. In her arms is the other half of the deer. I grip my katana, scowling. Pipin stares, confusion on his face. Joey also stares, Yuki is looking away. I scowl at Kor, I knew he was going to do something wrong, and this was it.
'I'm not staying, so stop your gawking.' The girl says surprising braver than I thought.
Pipin and Joey snap out of their trances but I unsheathe my katana.
'If you're not staying, why are you here?' I ask, standing up.
'Just helping a friend, I'm not going to kill you.' She says, ignoring my katana.
'Guys, enough. She's my friend.' Kor says, interrupting our stand-off.
'Who is she then?' Joey asks, blinking quickly.
'Does it matter? I told you this was a bad idea Kor, no one trusts me. But then again, you shouldn't,' the girl says, looking me in the eye.
Her grey eyes drive right into me, making my skin crawl. I look away first, unable to look into her daunting eyes. A smirk forms on her face, thinking she's won. That was a big mistake.
Instantly, I'm at her throat. My katana, rests on her pale neck, urging to cut her skin. She doesn't even flinch, but her pulse speeds up.
With gritted teeth, I say, 'You made a big mistake coming here, little girl.'
Her mouth curls into a scowl. With one swift kick, she takes me onto the ground, my katana skittering off. She stands up, dusting off her hands. She walks to the door while I curse, reaching for my katana.
Turning around one more time, the girl says, 'I'm not scared of you and don't call me little girl.'
The door slams and she's gone. My vision turns red, no one has ever gotten me this mad. I grit my teeth and clench my fist. That girl is going to die, that I can make sure of.
She won't last another week.
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Koji, Yuki, Pipin & Joey - @AlfieeStep
Kor - @Hallowaiden
Evelyn - @HelloColdWorld
Twins Until the End (Yuki's POV)
This isn't good.
Then again, hardly anything is good.
Especially when it has something to my brother.
Sadly, it usually is about him.
The door slams loudly, jolting me slightly. Koji and the girl's spat lasted less than a minute. Koji is laying on the ground, cursing up a storm. Kor looks at Pipin in disbelief, whatever his idea was, it just came crashing down. Koji slowly stands up, his fists clenched tightly. He looks up at Kor, I'd seen Koji mad at Kor, I've seen him mad at pretty much everything. But this is different, Koji looks like he's about to explode. I jump in front of the two, hoping to stop anything else from happening.
'Guys, stop!' I say, facing my brother.
He gives me the evils like he always does. His teeth are clenched and his breathing is raspy. I guess when that girl kicked him, it was full on. Koji points at Kor, his eyes narrowed.
'That little runt brought someone here!' He shouts, 'Then she goes along and attacks me.'
'Actually, you were the one who attacked first,' Kor says defensively.
'Knock it out!' I shout, silencing the two, 'Let's stop arguing and eat.'
Surprisingly, the two agreed. Pipin and Joey had already taken the deer away. They left me to stop these two nutcases, thanks, guys.
They calmed down once Pipin and Joey cooked up the deer. It was an impressive catch to be fair, we hadn't had deer in at least three months.
'Where did you find this, Kor?' Pipin asks, licking his fingers.
'In the nature park, it was wondering around on its on,' Kor answers, smiling.
This is usually how the group acts, Pipin tries to be optimistic. Sometimes we go along with it, except Koji. Joey hardly says anything, he just answers with a nod or a blunt statement. I can't blame him, it's pretty hard to be optimistic.
Although Koji is radiating anger, he seems pretty happy with the food. Once it's all gone, it won't be good. Whoever that girl is, she got on the wrong side of Koji. A feat that isn't too hard.
Sooner or later, Koji will go out to hunt for food. I know that will be his excuse to go out and kill that girl. He'll make up a story that she got in the way, something along those lines. We will just have to nod it off. Like we always do. But this time it'll be different, Koji hasn't lashed out since Kor has arrived. He knows what Koji is like every day, but he doesn't know him like the rest of us do.
Ever since our parents died, he's been off. He was already unstable, now he's off the rails charging off into the sunset. Now that we live in an apocalypse, he thinks there are no more rules for him to follow. He kills the zombies with such precision it seems as if he's killed before. That's a thought I've always hated the most.
I think he was a killer before the apocalypse.
But he's still my brother. We've shared everything since birth, we are the same. He's my brother and I'll protect him to my last breath. Because he's my twin and we'll be there for one another until the end.
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Yuki, Koji, Pipin & Joey - @FriskStep
Kor - @Hallowaiden
Evelyn - @HelloColdWorld
This isn't good.
Then again, hardly anything is good.
Especially when it has something to my brother.
Sadly, it usually is about him.
The door slams loudly, jolting me slightly. Koji and the girl's spat lasted less than a minute. Koji is laying on the ground, cursing up a storm. Kor looks at Pipin in disbelief, whatever his idea was, it just came crashing down. Koji slowly stands up, his fists clenched tightly. He looks up at Kor, I'd seen Koji mad at Kor, I've seen him mad at pretty much everything. But this is different, Koji looks like he's about to explode. I jump in front of the two, hoping to stop anything else from happening.
'Guys, stop!' I say, facing my brother.
He gives me the evils like he always does. His teeth are clenched and his breathing is raspy. I guess when that girl kicked him, it was full on. Koji points at Kor, his eyes narrowed.
'That little runt brought someone here!' He shouts, 'Then she goes along and attacks me.'
'Actually, you were the one who attacked first,' Kor says defensively.
'Knock it out!' I shout, silencing the two, 'Let's stop arguing and eat.'
Surprisingly, the two agreed. Pipin and Joey had already taken the deer away. They left me to stop these two nutcases, thanks, guys.
They calmed down once Pipin and Joey cooked up the deer. It was an impressive catch to be fair, we hadn't had deer in at least three months.
'Where did you find this, Kor?' Pipin asks, licking his fingers.
'In the nature park, it was wondering around on its on,' Kor answers, smiling.
This is usually how the group acts, Pipin tries to be optimistic. Sometimes we go along with it, except Koji. Joey hardly says anything, he just answers with a nod or a blunt statement. I can't blame him, it's pretty hard to be optimistic.
Although Koji is radiating anger, he seems pretty happy with the food. Once it's all gone, it won't be good. Whoever that girl is, she got on the wrong side of Koji. A feat that isn't too hard.
Sooner or later, Koji will go out to hunt for food. I know that will be his excuse to go out and kill that girl. He'll make up a story that she got in the way, something along those lines. We will just have to nod it off. Like we always do. But this time it'll be different, Koji hasn't lashed out since Kor has arrived. He knows what Koji is like every day, but he doesn't know him like the rest of us do.
Ever since our parents died, he's been off. He was already unstable, now he's off the rails charging off into the sunset. Now that we live in an apocalypse, he thinks there are no more rules for him to follow. He kills the zombies with such precision it seems as if he's killed before. That's a thought I've always hated the most.
I think he was a killer before the apocalypse.
But he's still my brother. We've shared everything since birth, we are the same. He's my brother and I'll protect him to my last breath. Because he's my twin and we'll be there for one another until the end.
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Yuki, Koji, Pipin & Joey - @FriskStep
Kor - @Hallowaiden
Evelyn - @HelloColdWorld
Impatient Eaters (Eden's POV)
I guess this is the end. I grip the leather handle of the metal baseball bat so tightly but knuckles are white. Black blood drips down the steel bat. This baseball bat has been one of my favourite weapons, I usually grab anything I see, rather than fuss over one weapon. But this one I have a small attachment to. We were raiding a supermarket when I found razor blades and the bat. Now blood drips onto my fingers, staining them.
Running in front of me is Teague and Gil. Teague is reloading his crossbow, ready for the attack. I never understood his obsession with it, you can only shoot it once, after that you have to reload it. Also keeping hold of all those arrows? Forget it. Gil is gripping a crowbar, he also has a gun, hidden somewhere. Us three aren't the greatest fighters, but when push comes to shove. We'll kick and scream until we get out of here alive.
Of course, that isn't too easy. Blocking up the entrance is zombies, hordes and hordes of the undead. How so many got here I can't be sure. But I know once I get through, I'm gone.
If the stakes weren't so high, I'd wait up for the other two. But I know I'll have to ditch them at any point if it gets too dangerous. I mean, I am the fastest runner of this group. If anyone can outrun a zombie horde, it'll be me. I don't want to abandon them truthfully. But when it comes to living alone or dying together, I'll take the first one.
We bound down the stairs, footsteps echoing on the stone. If we all went through a window or something, the horde would sniff us out and surround us. By having us three in front, we'll cause a distraction for Nyx and Hayley to get away. That's the main task, divert. Afterwards, if we're alive, we run.
The front doors are mostly shut, chains and barbed wire cover the door. But the force of the horde has given way a small gap, allowing them a few at a time. We could just sit and pick off ones that come in and wait until they're all gone. But that will take too long, I saw the mass of them on a balcony earlier. We'd starve before the zombies would all be gone.
Teague stops us, holding his arm out. He looks at me and Gil, a whisper of discontent on his face. After a small pause, he asks,
'You two ready for this? Chicken out now, I don't want either of you running.'
I shift uncomfortably, my plan of action was to run. Running would be the best diversion, especially if we split up. We'd divide up the horde, lessening the odds of death.
'Isn't that want we're going to do?' Gil asks, brows knitted together, 'I mean, we aren't gonna stick around too long.'
Teague scrunched his nose up in disgust, 'Tsk, that's not what I meant, idiot. I don't want either of you chickening out and screaming. Got that?'
I grip my bat tighter, getting angrier and angrier at every word he says. Teague has always been the worse, I believe that's a unanimous agreement between the group. If there was anyone I'd leave behind, it'd be him.
'We're aren't scared. We aren't babies,' I say, resting the bat on my shoulders like they do in the films. 'We both said we'll fight here, neither of us is going to run. No one here will unless you were planning on running and screaming.'
'Shut it,' Teague says, royally peeved.
He walks away, aiming his crossbow. Just as he's about to shoot, all hell breaks loose.
The doors groan loudly, creaking. Sounds of the dead get louder and louder until the door collapses. I watch us the tough wood is ripped from its hinges, smacking against the marble floor. Wasting no time at all, the horde lets itself in.
'Well then,' Gil says unhappily, 'Guess they just couldn't wait.'
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Eden - @AnotherLaDevotee
Teague - @HelloColdWorld
Gil - @Kra3tys
Nyx - @IfLostReturnToEwie
Hayley - @HelloColdWorld
I guess this is the end. I grip the leather handle of the metal baseball bat so tightly but knuckles are white. Black blood drips down the steel bat. This baseball bat has been one of my favourite weapons, I usually grab anything I see, rather than fuss over one weapon. But this one I have a small attachment to. We were raiding a supermarket when I found razor blades and the bat. Now blood drips onto my fingers, staining them.
Running in front of me is Teague and Gil. Teague is reloading his crossbow, ready for the attack. I never understood his obsession with it, you can only shoot it once, after that you have to reload it. Also keeping hold of all those arrows? Forget it. Gil is gripping a crowbar, he also has a gun, hidden somewhere. Us three aren't the greatest fighters, but when push comes to shove. We'll kick and scream until we get out of here alive.
Of course, that isn't too easy. Blocking up the entrance is zombies, hordes and hordes of the undead. How so many got here I can't be sure. But I know once I get through, I'm gone.
If the stakes weren't so high, I'd wait up for the other two. But I know I'll have to ditch them at any point if it gets too dangerous. I mean, I am the fastest runner of this group. If anyone can outrun a zombie horde, it'll be me. I don't want to abandon them truthfully. But when it comes to living alone or dying together, I'll take the first one.
We bound down the stairs, footsteps echoing on the stone. If we all went through a window or something, the horde would sniff us out and surround us. By having us three in front, we'll cause a distraction for Nyx and Hayley to get away. That's the main task, divert. Afterwards, if we're alive, we run.
The front doors are mostly shut, chains and barbed wire cover the door. But the force of the horde has given way a small gap, allowing them a few at a time. We could just sit and pick off ones that come in and wait until they're all gone. But that will take too long, I saw the mass of them on a balcony earlier. We'd starve before the zombies would all be gone.
Teague stops us, holding his arm out. He looks at me and Gil, a whisper of discontent on his face. After a small pause, he asks,
'You two ready for this? Chicken out now, I don't want either of you running.'
I shift uncomfortably, my plan of action was to run. Running would be the best diversion, especially if we split up. We'd divide up the horde, lessening the odds of death.
'Isn't that want we're going to do?' Gil asks, brows knitted together, 'I mean, we aren't gonna stick around too long.'
Teague scrunched his nose up in disgust, 'Tsk, that's not what I meant, idiot. I don't want either of you chickening out and screaming. Got that?'
I grip my bat tighter, getting angrier and angrier at every word he says. Teague has always been the worse, I believe that's a unanimous agreement between the group. If there was anyone I'd leave behind, it'd be him.
'We're aren't scared. We aren't babies,' I say, resting the bat on my shoulders like they do in the films. 'We both said we'll fight here, neither of us is going to run. No one here will unless you were planning on running and screaming.'
'Shut it,' Teague says, royally peeved.
He walks away, aiming his crossbow. Just as he's about to shoot, all hell breaks loose.
The doors groan loudly, creaking. Sounds of the dead get louder and louder until the door collapses. I watch us the tough wood is ripped from its hinges, smacking against the marble floor. Wasting no time at all, the horde lets itself in.
'Well then,' Gil says unhappily, 'Guess they just couldn't wait.'
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Eden - @AnotherLaDevotee
Teague - @HelloColdWorld
Gil - @Kra3tys
Nyx - @IfLostReturnToEwie
Hayley - @HelloColdWorld
Home (Joey's POV)
Sometimes I forget how mental these people are. Then again, that's probably the reason why I fit in with them. I can't remember how I became friends with these nutcases, I guess our parents helped with that.
I chew the deer meat quickly, inhaling the heat. Usually, we eat a can of thin soup or some animal too small to really enjoy. Another reason why I eat quickly is so I can get away from everyone. Koji holds a hard stare, sometimes he gives us all a death stare in turn. Pipin fidgets in his seat, he obviously wants to stand up and calm them down; like a leader should do. Instead, he shifts uncomfortably and looks at me. I ignore him, shoving food into my mouth.
Pipin opens his mouth to begin his heroic speech when he is suddenly interrupted by Kor.
'Look, we can't just sit in silence,' He says, no longer touching his food.
'What do you want to talk about then?' Koji growls, his voice dangerously low, 'Want to talk about how you want to decorate your girlfriend's coffin?'
'Koji!' Yuki shouts, silencing everyone.
I carry on ignoring them, they all want to drag me into this. There's no point in us all arguing, but here we are. Have everyone shout at everyone, then let an awkward silence follow. Then repeat.
So once again, silence fills the room. Apart from the scraping of plates and breathing, the whole place is silent. I finish my plate of food, whilst every else trudges along, waiting for the next spat.
'I'll be outside,' I say, standing up.
No one objects as I walk away from the oak table. I grab my baseball bat on leaning against the wall. I grip it tightly as I pull open the front door. Cold air blows in my face as I exit the apartment.
We claimed this small apartment complex after travelling for a couple months on foot. We all lived in the city before the apocalypse, when the majority of the population turned into zombies, me, Pipin, Koji and Yuki banded together and ran. When we found the complex, we also found Kor as he lived there alone. I never realised it until now, but his apartment looked like it housed two people. I guess he and that girl lived there together.
I hear feet slapping the ground in heavy thuds, jolting me slightly. I look over the balcony, the darkness cloaks whoever is down there as the footsteps fade away.
I carry on walking down the corridor, the complex seemed to be run down before we got here. Now it looks like it will fall about any minute. Mysterious stains bloom on the concrete walls as cracks accompany them. I swing my bat around, wanting to hit something. It flies around so effortlessly I just wish I could swing it into the wall, destroying the spidery cracks and the mouldy stains.
Looking around this place I realise how far away from home I am. There was never a stain on the carpets, nothing got broken. My parents weren't the best, sure. But they were home. My heart aches for that home once more, to see my parents one more time. I clench my fist, the bat no longer swinging. My vision goes blurry, tears threatening to spill from my eyes. My parents are dead, my home is no longer home. It's all gone.
'Stop, stop, stop,' I whisper to myself, squeezing my eyes shut, 'Stop crying over them, they're dead and gone. You're never going home.'
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Joey, Koji, Pipin & Yuki - @FriskStep
Kor - @Kokeno
Evelyn - @HelloColdWorld
Sometimes I forget how mental these people are. Then again, that's probably the reason why I fit in with them. I can't remember how I became friends with these nutcases, I guess our parents helped with that.
I chew the deer meat quickly, inhaling the heat. Usually, we eat a can of thin soup or some animal too small to really enjoy. Another reason why I eat quickly is so I can get away from everyone. Koji holds a hard stare, sometimes he gives us all a death stare in turn. Pipin fidgets in his seat, he obviously wants to stand up and calm them down; like a leader should do. Instead, he shifts uncomfortably and looks at me. I ignore him, shoving food into my mouth.
Pipin opens his mouth to begin his heroic speech when he is suddenly interrupted by Kor.
'Look, we can't just sit in silence,' He says, no longer touching his food.
'What do you want to talk about then?' Koji growls, his voice dangerously low, 'Want to talk about how you want to decorate your girlfriend's coffin?'
'Koji!' Yuki shouts, silencing everyone.
I carry on ignoring them, they all want to drag me into this. There's no point in us all arguing, but here we are. Have everyone shout at everyone, then let an awkward silence follow. Then repeat.
So once again, silence fills the room. Apart from the scraping of plates and breathing, the whole place is silent. I finish my plate of food, whilst every else trudges along, waiting for the next spat.
'I'll be outside,' I say, standing up.
No one objects as I walk away from the oak table. I grab my baseball bat on leaning against the wall. I grip it tightly as I pull open the front door. Cold air blows in my face as I exit the apartment.
We claimed this small apartment complex after travelling for a couple months on foot. We all lived in the city before the apocalypse, when the majority of the population turned into zombies, me, Pipin, Koji and Yuki banded together and ran. When we found the complex, we also found Kor as he lived there alone. I never realised it until now, but his apartment looked like it housed two people. I guess he and that girl lived there together.
I hear feet slapping the ground in heavy thuds, jolting me slightly. I look over the balcony, the darkness cloaks whoever is down there as the footsteps fade away.
I carry on walking down the corridor, the complex seemed to be run down before we got here. Now it looks like it will fall about any minute. Mysterious stains bloom on the concrete walls as cracks accompany them. I swing my bat around, wanting to hit something. It flies around so effortlessly I just wish I could swing it into the wall, destroying the spidery cracks and the mouldy stains.
Looking around this place I realise how far away from home I am. There was never a stain on the carpets, nothing got broken. My parents weren't the best, sure. But they were home. My heart aches for that home once more, to see my parents one more time. I clench my fist, the bat no longer swinging. My vision goes blurry, tears threatening to spill from my eyes. My parents are dead, my home is no longer home. It's all gone.
'Stop, stop, stop,' I whisper to myself, squeezing my eyes shut, 'Stop crying over them, they're dead and gone. You're never going home.'
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Joey, Koji, Pipin & Yuki - @FriskStep
Kor - @Kokeno
Evelyn - @HelloColdWorld
Strangers in Danger (Evelyn's POV)
Well that was a waste of time.
I storm out of the apartment complex, not really caring about the commotion I'm causing. It doesn't really matter if I attract zombies, I'll just kill them. I run down the abandoned streets, my doc martens slamming against the cracked tarmac. Low growls of cannibalistic killers follow me as I retrace my steps home.
My eyes adjust to the blanket of darkness that covers the town. I run down the road, the forest of trees alongside me. I know exactly where I am going, I've run down this road too many times to count. I've run away from that wretched apartment complex too many god damn times.
This town isn't too large. In the centre is the town hall. A red-brick building that isn't too interesting, filled with meeting rooms and a stage room that is far from safe. Then there are the streets and streets of houses, each one as similar as the other. Amongst the neat houses is the shopping area. Once it was nice shops with expensive clothing and other things. Now it's a smashed up wasteland. At the edge of the town, right next to the forest, are the run down apartments. Several grey concrete buildings that I lived in for some time.
I regret that.
There is an obvious divide between the apartments and houses. The roads and pavements that I run along are filled with potholes and spidery cracks that don't seem to end. But as I sprint on, there is a distinct difference. Even though it's been over a year since the end of the world, the houses are still nicer than the edge of the town ever will be.
I carry on running, I'm almost home. A shout suddenly echoes loudly, sending chills down my spine. I turn around my knife already in my hand. Eyes wide I see a lone figure slashing their way through zombies. It wasn't a shout of fear, it was a war cry. I grip my blade tightly, should I help? They don't look like they need help, however, a situation like this usually doesn't end well.
Just like that, my feet are moving. In both hands are two knives. I mostly only use one however I always make sure I have four knives on me at all times. As I run forwards, the lone fighter looks masculine. He stops fighting for a second, catching my gaze. A small smile lifts up his face as he sees me. I try to ignore the smirk, I don't want to regret running into this.
The crowd of undead also look up, their grizzly mouths foaming. I raise my blades, ready to strike.
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Evelyn - @HelloColdWorld
Kor - @AidenGoesMerry
Quinn - @Nxonn
Well that was a waste of time.
I storm out of the apartment complex, not really caring about the commotion I'm causing. It doesn't really matter if I attract zombies, I'll just kill them. I run down the abandoned streets, my doc martens slamming against the cracked tarmac. Low growls of cannibalistic killers follow me as I retrace my steps home.
My eyes adjust to the blanket of darkness that covers the town. I run down the road, the forest of trees alongside me. I know exactly where I am going, I've run down this road too many times to count. I've run away from that wretched apartment complex too many god damn times.
This town isn't too large. In the centre is the town hall. A red-brick building that isn't too interesting, filled with meeting rooms and a stage room that is far from safe. Then there are the streets and streets of houses, each one as similar as the other. Amongst the neat houses is the shopping area. Once it was nice shops with expensive clothing and other things. Now it's a smashed up wasteland. At the edge of the town, right next to the forest, are the run down apartments. Several grey concrete buildings that I lived in for some time.
I regret that.
There is an obvious divide between the apartments and houses. The roads and pavements that I run along are filled with potholes and spidery cracks that don't seem to end. But as I sprint on, there is a distinct difference. Even though it's been over a year since the end of the world, the houses are still nicer than the edge of the town ever will be.
I carry on running, I'm almost home. A shout suddenly echoes loudly, sending chills down my spine. I turn around my knife already in my hand. Eyes wide I see a lone figure slashing their way through zombies. It wasn't a shout of fear, it was a war cry. I grip my blade tightly, should I help? They don't look like they need help, however, a situation like this usually doesn't end well.
Just like that, my feet are moving. In both hands are two knives. I mostly only use one however I always make sure I have four knives on me at all times. As I run forwards, the lone fighter looks masculine. He stops fighting for a second, catching my gaze. A small smile lifts up his face as he sees me. I try to ignore the smirk, I don't want to regret running into this.
The crowd of undead also look up, their grizzly mouths foaming. I raise my blades, ready to strike.
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Evelyn - @HelloColdWorld
Kor - @AidenGoesMerry
Quinn - @Nxonn
Battlefield (Pipin's POV)
I always say we need to stick together, strength in numbers and all. But everyone ignores that and crawl around the town thinking nothing is going to try and kill them. Kor has sulked off, probably back to his old apartment. Joey came back but immediately shut himself in his room. Yuki is trying to keep Koji in the apartment, I can hear their shouts from here. And me? I'm waiting outside the apartment door. I know what Koji's like, he'll get out that's for damn sure. And where he will go, it's obvious. He's going to kill the girl.
I sit on the floor, Yuki's persistent voice resonating through the complex. My sword rests on my lap, my heart pounds heavily against my chest. Different worries flood my brain, Koji will see me, Koji will run too fast, Koji will actually kill the girl. I try to calm myself down, with counteracts to my worries. He won't see me, I can run faster than him, he won't kill anyone tonight. Nothing seems to work as my heart speeds up as Koji's voice gets louder and louder.
The door rips open as Koji barrels out of the apartment. Yuki stumbles out but I'm already up, my hand on his chest.
'Don't worry, I got this,' I say before bolting after Koji.
He isn't that hard to follow, his steps are like thunder as he sprints away from the building. I can only see a flash of orange under his beanie as I try to catch up. Strapped to his back is his crossbow and in his right hand is his katana. He doesn't seem to know where he is going as he falters at junctions. I keep close to him but make sure that the darkness conceals me. As Koji keeps running on, his patience slacks as he shouts into the air,
'WHERE ARE YOU? YOU LITTLE B-'
His cries are cut short as another shout echoes loudly. He stops suddenly, his breathing quickens as a small smile frames his mouth. Without realising, he disappears into the night. Probably towards the shouts that follow.
I curse, it's as if he turned invisible. Panic floods into me. I lost him, he's gone, he's going to kill her. My hands begin to shake, I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to extract a rational thought from my scattered mind. Another shout pitches the air, bringing me back.
Follow the shout.
Just like that, I'm running again. My sword bounces on my leg as I carry on running. Those three words coursing through my head like a mantra. Follow the shout. Follow the shout and you may save her life.
I keep running until I find Koji. But he's not alone, at least a dozen zombies are scattered across the street. In the middle of it are two fighters, their blades reflecting off the moon as they slash rapidly. Standing across from the horde stands Koji, he has his crossbow out, with an arrow notched. I look back at the horde, he's not aiming at the zombies. He's aiming at the fighters. Specifically the much smaller, feminine one.
'KOJI DON'T!' I shout, trying to stop Koji and hopefully warn the girl.
But it's all too little and too late as I see the arrow fly.
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Pipin, Joey, Yuki & Koji - @TheFoxBlade
Kor - @AidenGoesMerry
Evelyn - @HelloColdWorld
Quinn - @Nxonn
I always say we need to stick together, strength in numbers and all. But everyone ignores that and crawl around the town thinking nothing is going to try and kill them. Kor has sulked off, probably back to his old apartment. Joey came back but immediately shut himself in his room. Yuki is trying to keep Koji in the apartment, I can hear their shouts from here. And me? I'm waiting outside the apartment door. I know what Koji's like, he'll get out that's for damn sure. And where he will go, it's obvious. He's going to kill the girl.
I sit on the floor, Yuki's persistent voice resonating through the complex. My sword rests on my lap, my heart pounds heavily against my chest. Different worries flood my brain, Koji will see me, Koji will run too fast, Koji will actually kill the girl. I try to calm myself down, with counteracts to my worries. He won't see me, I can run faster than him, he won't kill anyone tonight. Nothing seems to work as my heart speeds up as Koji's voice gets louder and louder.
The door rips open as Koji barrels out of the apartment. Yuki stumbles out but I'm already up, my hand on his chest.
'Don't worry, I got this,' I say before bolting after Koji.
He isn't that hard to follow, his steps are like thunder as he sprints away from the building. I can only see a flash of orange under his beanie as I try to catch up. Strapped to his back is his crossbow and in his right hand is his katana. He doesn't seem to know where he is going as he falters at junctions. I keep close to him but make sure that the darkness conceals me. As Koji keeps running on, his patience slacks as he shouts into the air,
'WHERE ARE YOU? YOU LITTLE B-'
His cries are cut short as another shout echoes loudly. He stops suddenly, his breathing quickens as a small smile frames his mouth. Without realising, he disappears into the night. Probably towards the shouts that follow.
I curse, it's as if he turned invisible. Panic floods into me. I lost him, he's gone, he's going to kill her. My hands begin to shake, I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to extract a rational thought from my scattered mind. Another shout pitches the air, bringing me back.
Follow the shout.
Just like that, I'm running again. My sword bounces on my leg as I carry on running. Those three words coursing through my head like a mantra. Follow the shout. Follow the shout and you may save her life.
I keep running until I find Koji. But he's not alone, at least a dozen zombies are scattered across the street. In the middle of it are two fighters, their blades reflecting off the moon as they slash rapidly. Standing across from the horde stands Koji, he has his crossbow out, with an arrow notched. I look back at the horde, he's not aiming at the zombies. He's aiming at the fighters. Specifically the much smaller, feminine one.
'KOJI DON'T!' I shout, trying to stop Koji and hopefully warn the girl.
But it's all too little and too late as I see the arrow fly.
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Pipin, Joey, Yuki & Koji - @TheFoxBlade
Kor - @AidenGoesMerry
Evelyn - @HelloColdWorld
Quinn - @Nxonn
Feast for the Undead (Gil's POV)
I stand there, eyes not wanting to register any of it. The doors of the town hall groan and fall away, smacking loudly against the polished floors. With no time at all, the entrance is swarming with bodies of the dead.
Standing on the base of the steps, the zombies start crawling over any obstacle to reach us. I clench my crowbar tightly, looking at Eden.
'So?' I ask hoarsely, knowing how she'll answer.
'You know what I'll say,' she answers, confirming my thoughts, 'Run and kill, forget your comrades. It's not a choice of fight or flight; it's both.'
I nod, my heart pounding. I hear Teague scoff, the arrogance rolling off him in waves.
'Forget your comrades, eh? Who said you cowards were anything like that to me?' A smirk lights up his face, making my skin crawl.
A scowl forms on Eden's face, her retort ready to spill from her lips. The brewing argument dissipates as everyone simultaneously remembers the situation we're in.
A zombie jumps at me, its scraggy hands grabbing for flesh. I yelp, trying to dodge the prying fingers.
WHACK
A blur of silver enters my vision as Eden's metal bat smashes into the zombie's skull. Cracking it instantly.
'RUN, YOU IDIOTS.' She shouts, tearing off into the swarm.
I wipe the blood off my face, my hand shaking. I look at the dead zombie at my feet and at Eden's disappearing figure.
Teague nods, finally agreeing with Eden.
'Run, and don't look back,' he says, running towards the front door.
I clench my crowbar tighter, this ragtag group has finally fallen apart. Hayley and Nyx are gone, Eden has disappeared into the arms of death with Teague following her. If everyone is greeting death with a smile, so shall I.
My optimism has been the one thing that I've kept through the apocalypse. I might as well enjoy killing zombies.
With that I run after Eden and Teague, my crowbar ready. I whack it into the nearest zombie, making sure to hit the brain. It collapses on the ground but I'm already killing the next. I've never been the greatest fighter, but over time I've learnt how to smash a couple skulls in.
Scraggly nails pry at my shirt, searching for skin. I flinch, jumping away from the zombie. Another efficient whack to the brain sends it down, its fingers no longer grabbing at me. A shiver goes down my spine as I check for scratch wounds. Once a zombie draws blood from you, you're a goner. No signs of broken skin, luckily. Once again, I carry on killing.
I run forward, I'm close. I manage to slip on some zombie's guts, maybe Eden and Teague got out. Just as I see the stars in the sky do I hear the gut-wrenching scream that will haunt for the rest of my days.
My head juts towards the horrendous sound, sprawled on the floor is Teague. His crowbar empty, his arrows non-existent. Flying out of his mouth are dozens of curses as a zombie bites hungrily onto his arm. He tries to kick the zombie but it doesn't react, too busy of its feast.
I begin running towards him when he sees me, we lock eyes before he shouts,
'RUN. RUN FOR YOUR GODDAMN LIFE YOU PATHETIC EXCUSE FOR A HUMAN BEING.'
A lump forms in my throat as I see a silvery tear slip down his cheek. Never have I seen Teague crack, he's always had an arrogant smile, not tears streaming down his face.
Fear gets the best of me as I turn away. Running as fast as I could, abandoning my group mate as he is feasted upon.
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Gil - @Kra3tys
Eden - @AnotherLaDevotee
Teague & Hayley - @HelloColdWorld
Nyx - @Nxonn
I stand there, eyes not wanting to register any of it. The doors of the town hall groan and fall away, smacking loudly against the polished floors. With no time at all, the entrance is swarming with bodies of the dead.
Standing on the base of the steps, the zombies start crawling over any obstacle to reach us. I clench my crowbar tightly, looking at Eden.
'So?' I ask hoarsely, knowing how she'll answer.
'You know what I'll say,' she answers, confirming my thoughts, 'Run and kill, forget your comrades. It's not a choice of fight or flight; it's both.'
I nod, my heart pounding. I hear Teague scoff, the arrogance rolling off him in waves.
'Forget your comrades, eh? Who said you cowards were anything like that to me?' A smirk lights up his face, making my skin crawl.
A scowl forms on Eden's face, her retort ready to spill from her lips. The brewing argument dissipates as everyone simultaneously remembers the situation we're in.
A zombie jumps at me, its scraggy hands grabbing for flesh. I yelp, trying to dodge the prying fingers.
WHACK
A blur of silver enters my vision as Eden's metal bat smashes into the zombie's skull. Cracking it instantly.
'RUN, YOU IDIOTS.' She shouts, tearing off into the swarm.
I wipe the blood off my face, my hand shaking. I look at the dead zombie at my feet and at Eden's disappearing figure.
Teague nods, finally agreeing with Eden.
'Run, and don't look back,' he says, running towards the front door.
I clench my crowbar tighter, this ragtag group has finally fallen apart. Hayley and Nyx are gone, Eden has disappeared into the arms of death with Teague following her. If everyone is greeting death with a smile, so shall I.
My optimism has been the one thing that I've kept through the apocalypse. I might as well enjoy killing zombies.
With that I run after Eden and Teague, my crowbar ready. I whack it into the nearest zombie, making sure to hit the brain. It collapses on the ground but I'm already killing the next. I've never been the greatest fighter, but over time I've learnt how to smash a couple skulls in.
Scraggly nails pry at my shirt, searching for skin. I flinch, jumping away from the zombie. Another efficient whack to the brain sends it down, its fingers no longer grabbing at me. A shiver goes down my spine as I check for scratch wounds. Once a zombie draws blood from you, you're a goner. No signs of broken skin, luckily. Once again, I carry on killing.
I run forward, I'm close. I manage to slip on some zombie's guts, maybe Eden and Teague got out. Just as I see the stars in the sky do I hear the gut-wrenching scream that will haunt for the rest of my days.
My head juts towards the horrendous sound, sprawled on the floor is Teague. His crowbar empty, his arrows non-existent. Flying out of his mouth are dozens of curses as a zombie bites hungrily onto his arm. He tries to kick the zombie but it doesn't react, too busy of its feast.
I begin running towards him when he sees me, we lock eyes before he shouts,
'RUN. RUN FOR YOUR GODDAMN LIFE YOU PATHETIC EXCUSE FOR A HUMAN BEING.'
A lump forms in my throat as I see a silvery tear slip down his cheek. Never have I seen Teague crack, he's always had an arrogant smile, not tears streaming down his face.
Fear gets the best of me as I turn away. Running as fast as I could, abandoning my group mate as he is feasted upon.
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Gil - @Kra3tys
Eden - @AnotherLaDevotee
Teague & Hayley - @HelloColdWorld
Nyx - @Nxonn
Watch as the Cowards Run (Aven's POV)
I sped down the cracked pavements, running towards the centre of town. The screaming had stopped, but there was still an occasional shot of a gun that echoed loudly. I carried on running until I ran into the horde of zombies.
At first, they were only a couple zombies stalking the streets, but as I neared the town hall, the numbers grew and grew until the streets were full. I began running through the backyards of abandoned houses to avoid being spotted.
Even from a distance, you could only see the walking dead. Standing here I could hear shouts and cries much louder, Gil must still be here. I grit my teeth; it won't be easy getting him out. But a family is family, and I need to try at least to get him out.
I leap over a garden fence and continue running towards the town hall. A gut-wrenching scream rips through the air, halting me instantly. More shouts follow the cry; someone is dying. I pick up the pace, leaping over fences like they were hurdles.
Eventually, garden fences run out and I stand on the end of a street that faces the town hall. The swarm of zombies was astronomical. The stench of them brought my hand to my mouth, trying to shut out the pungent scent. It smelt of old blood and rotten flesh, pretty much what zombies are made of.
None of them turns towards me, they all seem focused on one target, the town hall. The screaming and shouts have stopped, only the groans and growls of the undead accompany me.
I try to scan the horde, trying to spot a flash of red hair but all I see is the endless crowd of zombies. I grip my weapon tighter, my knuckles going white. I need to find him before it's too late.
A figure runs past me; their footsteps drowned out by the chorus of zombies. All I manage to see is a flash of white hair before the person begins leaping over fences like I had just done before.
'WAIT!' I shout.
The figure halts, turning around. Even in the darkness, I can recognise them as the quiet girl who was a part of Gil's group. I can't remember her name, but she must know where Gil is.
'Where is Gil?' I ask, my voice sounding desperate.
The girl shakes her head before answering, 'I don't know. The plan was to run; he has either ran or died.'
'Help me find him; you can't just leave him to die.' I say, gripping the hilt of my sword tightly.
She shakes her head again, 'Going back there is suicide, I'm amazed I got out alive. You can't go there. You're his brother, right? He'll probably head to your base. You shouldn't of come here in the first place.'
With that, she runs off again. Jumping over the fences and disappearing into the night. I curse aloud, she's right. Trying to find him in a horde like this would kill me.
'I'm sorry, brother,' I whisper into the night air before turning away from the town hall.
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Aven & Gil - @Kra3tys
Eden - @AnotherLaDevotee
I sped down the cracked pavements, running towards the centre of town. The screaming had stopped, but there was still an occasional shot of a gun that echoed loudly. I carried on running until I ran into the horde of zombies.
At first, they were only a couple zombies stalking the streets, but as I neared the town hall, the numbers grew and grew until the streets were full. I began running through the backyards of abandoned houses to avoid being spotted.
Even from a distance, you could only see the walking dead. Standing here I could hear shouts and cries much louder, Gil must still be here. I grit my teeth; it won't be easy getting him out. But a family is family, and I need to try at least to get him out.
I leap over a garden fence and continue running towards the town hall. A gut-wrenching scream rips through the air, halting me instantly. More shouts follow the cry; someone is dying. I pick up the pace, leaping over fences like they were hurdles.
Eventually, garden fences run out and I stand on the end of a street that faces the town hall. The swarm of zombies was astronomical. The stench of them brought my hand to my mouth, trying to shut out the pungent scent. It smelt of old blood and rotten flesh, pretty much what zombies are made of.
None of them turns towards me, they all seem focused on one target, the town hall. The screaming and shouts have stopped, only the groans and growls of the undead accompany me.
I try to scan the horde, trying to spot a flash of red hair but all I see is the endless crowd of zombies. I grip my weapon tighter, my knuckles going white. I need to find him before it's too late.
A figure runs past me; their footsteps drowned out by the chorus of zombies. All I manage to see is a flash of white hair before the person begins leaping over fences like I had just done before.
'WAIT!' I shout.
The figure halts, turning around. Even in the darkness, I can recognise them as the quiet girl who was a part of Gil's group. I can't remember her name, but she must know where Gil is.
'Where is Gil?' I ask, my voice sounding desperate.
The girl shakes her head before answering, 'I don't know. The plan was to run; he has either ran or died.'
'Help me find him; you can't just leave him to die.' I say, gripping the hilt of my sword tightly.
She shakes her head again, 'Going back there is suicide, I'm amazed I got out alive. You can't go there. You're his brother, right? He'll probably head to your base. You shouldn't of come here in the first place.'
With that, she runs off again. Jumping over the fences and disappearing into the night. I curse aloud, she's right. Trying to find him in a horde like this would kill me.
'I'm sorry, brother,' I whisper into the night air before turning away from the town hall.
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Aven & Gil - @Kra3tys
Eden - @AnotherLaDevotee
Forest of the Undead (Hayley's POV)
Thick, twisted roots curled across the dirt of the forest. The smell of dampness and decay filled my nose as I sprinted through the woods, Nyx's hand in mine. Mud churns underfoot as I continue running, with no regard of the commotion behind me. Gunshots echo in the distance, indicating that the rest were still alive. Darkness covered the entire forest, distorting the trees. Branches swiped at me, grazing my cheek as I carry on running.
Low growls of the undead echo through the forest, giving me no clue where they could be. I let go of Nyx's hand slowing down so I could grab my guns.
'Stay close, there are zombies here,' I say to Nyx who nods quietly.
We continue moving, much slower now as I scan the dense forest. The wood becomes deathly quiet as if the whole forest is waiting in anticipation. I take a small breath, clicking the safety off the gun just as the zombie's attack.
Over a dozen zombies tumble down the grassy incline before they can stand I shoot down two right in the head. The guns don't make a sound as the silencer dampens the usual bang. Without stopping, I continue shooting them down, but as one falls dead, another rises.
Behind me, I feel Nyx shaking uncontrollably, in his hand is the baseball bat we found a couple of weeks back. He holds it with both hands, but it dips down as if he has no intention of using it.
I turn back to the zombies, shooting them down with both of my guns. I scan the rest of the forest, more than a dozen is here now. Although we are making no sound, our scent is stronger. I try not to curse as I shoot them down, I realise now that it was an awful idea to run to the forest. There's too much open ground, too many openings to be attacked, nowhere to hide.
With one last flurry of bullets, I grab Nyx's hand again, dragging him away from the zombies.
'There are too many; we have to get back onto the street!' I shout, sprinting further from the horde.
I let go of Nyx's hand so he can run ahead. I continue shooting down the zombies that crawl closet. I check the chamber of both guns, empty. I curse, shoving them both in their holsters and sprint up to catch up with Nyx.
We run up the grassy incline, heading towards the streets once more. The zombies near us as our strides slow. I grab one of my knives and look back at the group of zombies. Only four of them managed to follow us; it won't be hard to take them out.
'Keep going, Nyx, I'll be there soon.'
I don't wait for an answer as I run down to meet the rotting cannibals. I slash the nearest one across the face and kick it down the hill; it tumbles down, limbs coming off at odd angles. I then stab the next one in the forehead, blackish blood oozing. It collapses as I stab the next in the chest, its claws trying to pry at me. I dodge the grizzly nails, slashing at it again. Only one is left, but as I whirl around, I can't see it. It's gone. Before I can search for it, I hear a high-pitched cry.
'HAYLEY!' Nyx's call echoes loudly, sending a chill through me.
That's where it went.
I run up the hill, shouting his name as I run onto the street. Instead of only seeing Nyx, I find something much worse.
Nyx is holding his baseball bat, trying to ward off the zombie. But behind him is absolute chaos. A large group of zombies, at least thirty stands at the end of the street, in the middle of the group are two fighters, slashing their way through the zombies. Off to the side of the group is a lone figure holding a crossbow, an arrow notched. Behind them is someone else, running towards the crossbow wielder.
My eyes widen as everything goes to hell.
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Hayley & Evelyn - @HelloColdWorld
Nyx & Quinton - @Nxonn
Koji & Pipin - @FriskStep
Thick, twisted roots curled across the dirt of the forest. The smell of dampness and decay filled my nose as I sprinted through the woods, Nyx's hand in mine. Mud churns underfoot as I continue running, with no regard of the commotion behind me. Gunshots echo in the distance, indicating that the rest were still alive. Darkness covered the entire forest, distorting the trees. Branches swiped at me, grazing my cheek as I carry on running.
Low growls of the undead echo through the forest, giving me no clue where they could be. I let go of Nyx's hand slowing down so I could grab my guns.
'Stay close, there are zombies here,' I say to Nyx who nods quietly.
We continue moving, much slower now as I scan the dense forest. The wood becomes deathly quiet as if the whole forest is waiting in anticipation. I take a small breath, clicking the safety off the gun just as the zombie's attack.
Over a dozen zombies tumble down the grassy incline before they can stand I shoot down two right in the head. The guns don't make a sound as the silencer dampens the usual bang. Without stopping, I continue shooting them down, but as one falls dead, another rises.
Behind me, I feel Nyx shaking uncontrollably, in his hand is the baseball bat we found a couple of weeks back. He holds it with both hands, but it dips down as if he has no intention of using it.
I turn back to the zombies, shooting them down with both of my guns. I scan the rest of the forest, more than a dozen is here now. Although we are making no sound, our scent is stronger. I try not to curse as I shoot them down, I realise now that it was an awful idea to run to the forest. There's too much open ground, too many openings to be attacked, nowhere to hide.
With one last flurry of bullets, I grab Nyx's hand again, dragging him away from the zombies.
'There are too many; we have to get back onto the street!' I shout, sprinting further from the horde.
I let go of Nyx's hand so he can run ahead. I continue shooting down the zombies that crawl closet. I check the chamber of both guns, empty. I curse, shoving them both in their holsters and sprint up to catch up with Nyx.
We run up the grassy incline, heading towards the streets once more. The zombies near us as our strides slow. I grab one of my knives and look back at the group of zombies. Only four of them managed to follow us; it won't be hard to take them out.
'Keep going, Nyx, I'll be there soon.'
I don't wait for an answer as I run down to meet the rotting cannibals. I slash the nearest one across the face and kick it down the hill; it tumbles down, limbs coming off at odd angles. I then stab the next one in the forehead, blackish blood oozing. It collapses as I stab the next in the chest, its claws trying to pry at me. I dodge the grizzly nails, slashing at it again. Only one is left, but as I whirl around, I can't see it. It's gone. Before I can search for it, I hear a high-pitched cry.
'HAYLEY!' Nyx's call echoes loudly, sending a chill through me.
That's where it went.
I run up the hill, shouting his name as I run onto the street. Instead of only seeing Nyx, I find something much worse.
Nyx is holding his baseball bat, trying to ward off the zombie. But behind him is absolute chaos. A large group of zombies, at least thirty stands at the end of the street, in the middle of the group are two fighters, slashing their way through the zombies. Off to the side of the group is a lone figure holding a crossbow, an arrow notched. Behind them is someone else, running towards the crossbow wielder.
My eyes widen as everything goes to hell.
[Characters mentioned/in chapter]
Hayley & Evelyn - @HelloColdWorld
Nyx & Quinton - @Nxonn
Koji & Pipin - @FriskStep
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