Necropolis

"Is Derrik alright?"

"What happened to the flashlight?"

"I dropped it. Help me."

"You what?"

"Don't just stand there, look for it! They'll be back any second and no one's firing until we can see them."

Mev couldn't see anything, and wasn't calm enough to discern who the voices were coming from. The last thing he'd seen before the flashlight clattered to the cement was Derrik falling, a headless monster on top of him.

He knelt, feeling on the floor. His hand touched chilled flesh, and he jerked it back. His fingers closed on something warm and plastic. He felt a switch, and the tunnel was flooded with bright light.

Squinting, he panned the beam across the group. Derrik was on the ground, stirring slightly. Keri crouched beside him, and surveyed his body.

"Derrik?" she said. "He looks okay. Help me get him up."

Joanna moved to assist her.

"No!" Mev said, automatically. "You can't move him. He could have a concussion, or something. Broken ribs."

Mev, encouraged by his father to become a doctor, had recently taken a course in basic first aid. He hadn't retained much but for snippets of information like these, but it was important. Don't move someone who may have suffered an injury to the head or spine.

"What do you suggest?" Kevin looked tired, and irritated.

"We could stay here a while. It's narrow: they can only get at us from two sides. We could take turns on watch and get some sleep."

"We're almost there."

Mev felt mutinous. "Fine. Leave him. We can't carry him all the way. We've got to go through like a dozen parking lots. That's open territory."

Keri said, "Should we split up? We've got more than one gun."

"Only one light."

For fuck's sake.

"We're leaving. Fuck him." The words came to my mouth quicker than I could stop them. May as well keep rollin' with it.

"I told you--you fall behind, you get left behind." But I didn't move. "Gimme the fuckin' light." I rested the Mini-14 on my shoulder and shoved my hand out in front of me, palm up. "Mev...give me the light."

He hesitantly dropped the light into my hand, and immediately I spun it around to get the light off me and on them.

"How many left in that Remington?" I demanded. He gave me a blank look.

"Er...I dunno, Kev--it all happened so fast--"

"Fuck. Here, gimme." I slung my rifle and pulled the shotgun from his grasp. With a glance over my shoulder, and keeping an open ear, I proceeded to work the slide, ejecting a single shell from the magazine. When I pumped the shotgun again, nothing came out.

For. Fuck's. Sake.

"You were just about empty, man." I shoved the shotgun back into his hand, along with the partially empty box of shells. "Here--reload. Keep the rest of the shells in your pocket for later." I unslung my Mini-14, checking my safety and making sure the EoTech dotsight was still burning bright. Of course, it was. Fuckin' better be--spent four hundred bucks on that shit.

"Kev...what are you doing?" Jo asked.

"Getting us the fuck out of here. This tunnel is too damned big to stay for too long. Get your backs against that wall and make a ring around dumbass there--don't worry about shooting that way--" I pointed with the muzzle of my rifle, down the tunnel where our exit was. "--Cuz you'll probably hit me. And I do not take buckshot in my back with a smile." I took a mental stock of my ammunition. Eight shots from the Mini-14, leaving two in the mag, three fully loaded magazines in my belt, 13 in the XD, one in the chamber...and two more mags of thirteen. I hoped it would be enough.

"When you guys here my call, you be ready to move. Don't worry so much about the zombies as you do moving him safely. Go slow if you have to."

With that, I brought the rifle to my shoulder and aimed down the sight, my off hand on the fore-grip, holding the flashlight snug against the gun so I got a good view of the area in front of me.

I held my breath a moment. A bead of sweat slid down my forehead and ripped down onto my cheek.

You're damn right I was afraid.

Dave heard Kev clearly and if he thought that he'd allow him to abandon one of his bestfriends so easily, he was mistaken. Dave pushed to the front ignoring all complaints and stared straight into Kev eyes.

He didn't let him speak at all and just yelled "You're cold, cruel, and callous and frankly I really am beginning to wonder who made you in charge of us? Even why for that matter you don't think anyone else can?"

Kev didn't say anything but hit Dave gut hard with butt of his rifle. He then saw another come crashing towards his back, through all this he heard Keri gasp in pain. Though now common sense was gone and Dave got up now crying out inside though he continued even more mad, "Who makes it you decide who lives or die you fucking arse hole."

Kev raised his gun pointing towards Dave, Really quietly and very calmly replied "Yeah. I AM cold and callous. I'm in charge because you fuckers followed me. I don't need you. I don't even like you. I don't decide who lives or dies, asshole. You guys do. If you do stupid shit and don't listen to me, you fucking die. If you listen to me and don't do stupid shit, you might live. "After a moment, he says "I'm not leaving your friend. He, unlike you, has proven his worth to me. He listens, and he can shoot decently. Back the fuck off and let me do this."

Dave growled ignoring the gun, "You seem to think your smartest here, I'm a goddamn hacker and I've been in jail. You know nothing of struggle, you ever been in prison fucker ever had to watch your back constantly and protect someone in life and death situactions!?!"

Kev lowered his gun and walked away. Dave had now lost his rage, he felt like killing the person now he had lost it all. He sighed and walked back to Keri she looked at him irritated and muttered "Idiot!"

Katalyn 2:00pm

"I'm not sitting here any longer!" Mike exclaimed, shoving the car door open and slamming it behind him with a tremendous bang.

"Where are you going?" Katalyn demanded in a shrill voice, as she cracked her own door open and peered out. "There are zombies everywhere," She hissed.

"If they don't get us, we'll starve to death in here! Stay in the car and I'll go talk to the men over there. They'll not shoot me." Mike nodded his head in an attempt to convince the two of them. "They'll not shoot me," He repeated.

"Don't be a fool!" Katalyn protested.

"Gooooodbye-ayyy," Louis called in a sing song voice. Mike saluted with a nervous grin and then turned and stormed towards the lines of barricades.

"Do not come any closer. All civilians stay back!" A loud voice boomed. Mike did not halt and Katalyn held her breath as a Zombie just metres in front of him was shot to pieces. She tugged the door open.

"Come back!" Katalyn shouted. Mike did not appear to hear her. He took another step. The warning was repeated. Then the first bullet hit. A look of shock and disbelief flickered across his face as the small metalic ball pierced his tender flesh and blood spilled across the ground.

"Please," Mike croaked. There was no hesitation. Another bullet tore through his side and he toppled forwards, laying in a pool of his own liquid and organs.

"No!" Katalyn screamed. She ran forward but two arms grasped her firmly by the shoulders and Louis ushered her back to the car in a moment of sanity as more bullets tore into their fallen companion.

“Are you ok?” Keri asked hurrying over to him.

“I’m fine,” He growled he was probably glaring at Kevin.

“You were hit with the butt of a gun, it isn’t gonna do nothing.” She said searching his face.

“I’m fine.” He looked at her, she could see pain in his eyes though. She gently placed her finger on his shoulder.

“No, now where does it hurt.” She demanded.

Dave stared at her and shook his head, "I'm fine Keri." She moves her head down his chest and then his eyes grow watery.

"Ah, you are hurt." She smiled trying to comfort him, there was a nice bump on his chest where her hand was resting. "Now, don't lie to me again."

Dave smiles weakly, “But you don't need to check me I swear!" She moved his hands under his shirt and smiles coyly,

"You're an idiot David, but you did it for something.” Dave breaks out in blushes. Keri smiled at him. Being so close to him calmed her nerves and she finally felt safe again. “I wish we had some sort of ice pack. Your gonna have a nasty bruise.” She sighed.
She gently ran her hand over the bruised area then she looked at him softly. "How bad does it hurt?"

Dave blushes slightly and bites his tongue, "It's nothing really!!!" Dave suddenly realizes he shouldn't of said that and quickly tries to apologize. Keri almost slapped him over the face, this was no time to go lying.

"The fact that you have a huge nasty bruise because you were being an idiot is not nothing." She snapped folding her arms.

Dave stuttered "I... I... I... I've had w....w...worse..."

"How do you know you've had worse, for all you know it bruised some organ or something." She frowned, "What were you thinking going and challenging him?"
He sighs looking down, "I can't lose you or Derrick and he's an ass, acting like he superior to us all."

"Well he is heartless enough to get us out of here." She snapped, "He probably would've killed you if he didn't want to waste bullets, you could've gotten yourself killed."
Dave has suddenly taken great interest in his shoes, "You're right I'm stupid...."

"I didn't say you were stupid," She said her voice softening. "I said what you did was, I don't know what I would've done if he had killed you."

A tear falls and he looks up, "Keri were you happy without me?"

“No, that is why I can’t lose you again.” Keri sighed,

Dave sighs and again stares at their shoes, "I've been a fool all my life, no one gave me any chances..."

"Your not a fool." She moved his face up to where he was looking at her and she put her hand on his shoulder. "Your one of the coolest people I know."

Dave shrugs, "You really mean that.." He breathed "I reacted because I misheard I thought he was leaving Derrick..."

"Do you think anyone would've agreed with that?" She smiled, "I mean it, every last word of it. I know that is why, but you shouldn't have."

Dave shifted his feet and looked up again, "Keri be honest you think he'll live?"

Dave shifts his feet and looks up again, "Keri be honest you think he'll live?"

"Who, Derrick?" She smiled, "yea, I think he'll live. He'll be up and annoying you again in no time."

Dave leans over and kisses her, "You promise that if I ever have to do something not to stop me, we're not all going to survive Keri my skill is fairly useful and chance is I'll need to stay behind..."

Keri backed up, "If you stay you'll get killed, you can't seriously think I’ll let you do that."

"Keri, someone needs to survive and I'm a criminal no one will believe you look at everyone and be honest who you think survive?"

"You'll survive, even if I have to knock you out and drag you with me you'll survive." She said fighting tears, he couldn't say he was going to die. No she wouldn't let him, she couldn't.

"Keri death is evitable, and we're all lucky to be alive, but I've seen movies and people like me end up dying, I'll do something wrong, just promise me to tell anyone we can't let anyone hide this catrophe."

“That is the movies, they are never true.” She said, “Don’t say your going to die or you will. Don’t you dare say it.”

"Keri your strong, but if it's not me it'll be someone, what's the chance all of us will survive?"

“I don’t know, but it wont be you dying. It’ll be one of the weak people. You me and Derrick are going to make it out of here, we’re going to move on and make sure the government doesn’t cover it up, together.” She felt a tear slide down her face who did he think he was, he wasn’t going to die. No way no how was he going to die, he was the smart one the brains of this group.

"I wish we could of met in less sad situation I felt so lonely in prison and I so wanted to share your bed again, what chance is there now Keri. I just wanted a normal life. Keri you know you can't stop me, If I can save everyone I will even if it costs my life."

"No, you can't, you can't die and leave me all alone. Let someone else be the hero, let Kevin do it."

Dave rolls his eyes, "Kevin be a hero, he hates anyone it seems. I've best skill here and you know it, I only want you to make sure this is never covered up, I want to see the news here... You know Keri I'm not strong, if they come on top of me I won't be much of a fight, what will you do don't be a hero for me, you live so people know."

"You can't seriously think I'm gonna leave you for a zombie's breakfast? Ha, I don't care what you think, your not going to die you are going to live, we're gonna get out of here." She looked around, she didn't like this, not one bit. "We should see how Derrick is doing." She said desperately trying to change the subject.

Dave didn't relent, "Keri please listen it could happen, and if we make it out here alive, I've no money, but oh forget it... It's so cliche during this time."

"I dont' think any of us have any money right now, everything is in that town, but we can get money. I mean for goodness sakes we can sue the government for locking us up in this hell hole in the first place. You are going to get out of here, alive." She said stubbornly.

“But... it won't be me look who leading us, he'll be one everyone remember I'll be remembered as the guy who just caused as much trouble as he could...”

"He'll be remembered as the jerk who would rather shoot us all then even think about dying himself. Your the only one that has stood up to him. You will get out of here, period." She crossed her arms again, "I'll shoot him if I have to just to get you through alive."

Dave just suddenly embraces her his hands going up and down her back head resting on her shoulder as he speaks, "I...I...I want to sleep with you, I don't mean that..." Dave blushes and continues, "I mean just beside you, I don't care where, sleeping alone, I can't anymore."

"Then don't talk about dying, don't say you'll die, it'll happen, just stay with me." She pulled him close. "We'll get trough this, I know we will."

He turns away but still holds her, "If I can save anyone by doing it I will Keri, don't stop me please.”

“That is a promise I can’t make, your all I have left, I’m not going to let you die knowing I could’ve prevented it.” She said sighing,

Dave is still holding her close when his hand slips down to her ass, "He blushed and pulled his hand away, "I'm really sorry, I slipped."

“You slipped my foot.” She laughed,

“I did honest..." He started; she grabbed his hand and put it back, shaking her head

“Silly boy you’re my boyfriend, Dave it's not like you've never touched me...” Dave blushed hard. She moved closer to him and gently kissed his cheek.

Dave blushes harder and hastily decides to stop embrace, "Lets go check on Derrick we'll have plenty time for this later..."

"Is that a suggestion?" She asked,

Keri watched him go and sighed, she wasn't about to lose that big oaf. She followed, if she could just get out of here and guarantee they would be alright, they wouldn't have to worry about it any more. But he was always so nervous, she could never figure that out, why, why couldn't he just not worry all the time, even when he was intimate he done nothing except kiss me.

Jo gritted her teeth as she listened to Keri and Dave. She wasn't sure if the anger she felt was her own or simply the anger radiating from Kevin's tense shoulders. Probably both. Keri was being a wimp about her "poor widdle boyfriend" getting hurt (wholly deserved, she thought), and Dave was soaking up the attention. What about Derrik? Jo was still touched that he had risked his life to save hers, although she didn't quite understand it.

"Let's go check on Derrik, we'll have plenty of time for this later..."

Even his voice gets on my nerves, Jo thought bitterly. From the way Kevin was clutching his gun, he agreed.

"...I swear, just hand me the gun and I'll shoot them both, and then we'll be done with this crap," Jo muttered.

Kevin started to hand it over, then grinned and winked at her. "They might still be useful as bait."

Joanna laughed bitterly. It echoed as empty as his grin had been, as cold as his eyes. None of them felt as lighthearted as he or she pretended, but it was a survival tool. After all, false hope was better than none.

She glanced around at the group, barely illuminated by the forward-facing beam held with Kev's gun. They were all dirt-smeared and shaken, but determined to make it out of there alive. The shadows danced with their leader's stride, bouncing across the walls like odd specters. As they walked, the walls widened, until they had formed into a sort of crossroads.

'Motherfucker," Kevin hissed, pausing only momentarily before making a decision. "We're going this way.

They plunged deeper into the darkness, Jo's hand once again finding Kevin's shoulder for comfort.

I’m not usually bitter or shallow, but the relationships that were forming around our infuriatingly grotesque situation made me want to puke. Shouldn’t we be panicking? Shouldn’t our thoughts be focused on a way out and getting there as soon as possible instead of ass grabbing? I gave an emphasizing glare towards Keri and her beloved Dave.

This wasn’t the place or the time for any of that, and yet everyone made it seem that way. Right now, I couldn’t help but focus on all the weapons I was around. It hurt my pride to admit it, but I felt like dying. I didn’t want to be going through this.

Our feet crunched noisily as we moved on and I looked around me for open spaces in our manmade barricade. Would they notice if I slipped out? I hadn’t talked for a long while, probably not. I shuddered with glee at this. Maybe I could even find a way out, maybe quicker than everyone else? I shook my head to clear it. Those thoughts weren’t coming from my logical side. Protection, that’s what I needed. And then when we got out…protection. I’d still need it then.

I locked my arms around my middle in the cold trying to hold in any heat I could. Had it gotten even colder? I didn’t think that it was possible. But the air did seem a little more damp…I thought I could hear running water, cars, laughing. Did that stuff even exist anymore? I laughed a little getting a warning look from Kev and giving back a glare almost as strong, still, I was quiet afterwards.

The silence lasted for about an hour until we came to a turn. I don’t remember when we’d last come to a turn in this tunnel, or if we ever had, but it made me feel oddly excited and anxious for the difference. By this time, my eyes had adapted pretty well to the darkness and I walked between Jo and Abby in a brisk walk to turn the corner first.

Not smart. For a few seconds I was blinded and shielding my eyes until the group settled around me, then I lowered my arm and smiled. There was a glowing light at the far end of this tunnel. Outside. I’d never felt so obligated to be free. I took a step forward to run and then someone caught me the scruff of my shirt and held me still. The light moved. It took me while to understand what was going on and then my stomach sank.

“Is that the way out…or a flashlight?” I gulped.

2:10 pm

Katalyn

Louis pulled Katalyn back towards the car but suddenly a zombie staggered out in front of them. It's putrid flesh opened into a sneer as what was once a man extended his arms towards them. Louis released Kat and kicked the zombie hard in the chest. This seemed to have little effect and the creature launched himself forwards towards Kat. Louis intercepted the jump, throwing the zombie forward with such a force that he went skidding across the ground and into the range of fire. The corpse was filled with bullets and with a blink of surprise and a final glare at the soldiers, Louis crossed the last few steps to the vehicle.

Katalyn followed in silence and, closing the door behind her, turned on the engine. It roared into life and she backed away from the main gate and began to turn the wheel before the engine began to splutter and die.

"We're out of petrol," Katalyn stated in a monotone voice, her hands still gripping the steering wheel.

"Out of gas?" Louis mumbled. He peered out of the window and checked the area for zombies. With the odd exception, most of the creatures appeared to have enough sense to realise that staying in this area meant you got shot so Louis was able to get out of the car and check the boot without being challenged.

"We're going to have to walk," He decided, opening the driver's seat for Kat. She nodded numbly and picked her bag up from the passenger's seat.

A new character. Watch out !

NAME: Bernard Grahams

AGE: 25

EYES: Pale blue

HAIR: Bright blonde, almost white which hangs down around his face in a mess.

PHYSIQUE: Not unfit, but not exactly fit. He just about gets by, but he’s no sportsman.

EDUCATION: Has just completed his clinical training at Manchester University, England.

PROS: Ever the intellectual, Bernard has an almost photographic memory, which has helped him throughout his five years studying medicine. He is a capable doctor and was renowned in his year group as one of the best people to hold together under stressful situations. He did not, however, anticipate this.

CONS: Despite being a doctor, Bernard is weak. Not simply physically, but weak as a person. He enjoys helping others, and this was one of the reasons he trained to be a doctor, but he is often used by others. He can be confident, but only when he understands a situation completely. He is then able to draw on his lessons and experience practicing medicine.

BACKGROUND: Bernard was never bullied in secondary school, but his penetrating mind set him apart from most of his peers. Not being a sportsman left him sitting on the sidelines in everything, and if it hadn’t been for his friends he would almost certainly have been a complete geek. His lack of confidence did not hold him back academically and it was only a few years before he managed to eradicate his stutter. Upon joining Medical School, he flourished. Somehow, his past was forgotten and he began to become a more competent, confident doctor. However, an exciting celebratory trip (on his graduation) to America is becoming more exciting, and less celebratory.

Character awaiting approval...

DL

OOC: Approved, of course.

I shrugged away Joanna's hand. Her presence was comforting, but the only physical contact I wanted was my fist caving in Dave's cranium. (That actually happened once. This little bitch of a baseball player thought he could fight and decided to punch out a friend of mine--so I hit him in the side of the head. Literally caved in his eye socket and gave him a helluva concussion. I got suspended for a few days, but it was worth it. He's fine, by the way.)

"It's a flashlight." I shined my own light down the tunnel, and instantly it illuminated an animated corpse holding an industrial MagLight.

"My light now, bitch."

I fired a single shot that took out its remaining eye. The other socket was hollow.

"You stay here," I muttered as Mev bent down to take the flashlight from the corpse. "I'm better off without you having to worry about you morons. When you hear me call, you'll know you're clear."

Jo let her hand fall to her side--I knew my words had stung her. Fuck it.

I stepped forward without another word.

Simple enough. Clear a path to the nearest ladder leading out of the tunnels, right? Right.

I let myself fall into a light jog, holding my rifle at Ready in front of me, angled to the ground. At the first sound of rubber against cement, I stopped dead, fell into a crouch, and raised the rifle. Almost instantly I acquired my target, catching the zombie in the wide beam of the LED flashlight. I sighted and fired, exhaling as I squeezed the trigger. It's head snapped back in a spray of crimson, and it collapsed to the ground.

"One."

The second it hit the ground I let the rifle fall from my grasp, letting the sling catch it and swing it around to my side. I drew my pistol and moved forward, stepping over the zombie and shining my flashlight into its face, to make sure it was down--oh yeah. Definitely.

I moved on. Zombies Two and Three shambled forward, possibly at a silent call from their fallen brethren. I stopped, planted my feet, and sighted. Double-tapped the trigger. Three took two shots to the skull, and I swung to acquire Two. It had closed to damn near arm's reach. I didn't flinch, didn't step back. Just shoved the barrel of the XD into the fucker's mouth and pulled the trigger. It crumpled. I didn't bother to check the corpses.

The cycle repeated itself in various incarnations as I jogged down the tunnel. Sometimes there were three zombies, other times a whole cluster-fuck of them. I only had to fall back once. And that was to reload.

Finally I reached a ladder. I heaved a sigh of relief and turned back the other way.

"LET'S FUCKING GO!" I shouted down the tunnel. Almost immediately a I heard commotion and the sound of hurried footsteps.

We were SO out of this shithole.

Derrik

Where am I?

The first thing that Derrik noticed was how much brighter it was in the tunnel. He'd not remembered it being lit at all on the way in, but now he could actually make out shapes and figures moving through the darkness.

“He’s awake!” He only noticed the hands holding him by his four limbs when they put him down. They felt strangely warm. Warm, and full of blood.

“Oh shit my chest!” he replied as they gently lowered him to the ground. It hurt, but not as much as it had. It seemed like the pain had receded.

Or you just don’t feel it.

He pushed the thoughts away and sat up before taking someone’s proffered arm and hoisting himself up. Derrik was surprised at his own agility. It seemed like only a moment before when that monster had—

“Can you walk, man?” he felt Dave at his side, holding his elbow and trying to guide him through the rubble. Dave was not doing a particularly good job of it.

“Just about, if you don’t keep walking me into rocks!” Derrik bent and nursed a grazed knee. At least something was still sore.

Maybe I’m not—

“Look I’ll go ahead if that’s what you want!” Derrik spat irritably as Dave slipped on the uneven tunnel floor. He limped out in front of the group but slowed as he found it hard to catch his breath.

“None of us can see anything, Derrik!” Keri spoke from somewhere on his left. Close to Dave, naturally, but Derrik was worried.

“What are you talking about? I’m avoiding the mounds aren’t I?” he replied uneasily. A tightness wrapped itself around his chest, and he suddenly became aware of his heart rattling in his chest.

There was a stunned silence, the chatter died and all Derrik could hear was the scrape of feet on the ground.

“But, Derrik,” Dave replied cautiously, “it’s pitch black.”

Shit. This isn’t fair. Oh God.

With frightened fingers he fumbled down the side of his shirt. Reaching up underneath it, he felt his chest carefully, searching. His fingertips danced inside the shirt, until one of them found something.

A bite mark. In my skin. Oh God.

“Derrik?” He realised he’d not spoken for at least a minute. Nausea crept up on him like a vengeful beast. He turned, opened his mouth and vomited. The sticky scent drifted up at him. It smelt wrong.

“Guys?” Derrik looked about madly, “guys where are you?”

What he could make out of the tunnel was moving.

But I’m standing still? Aren’t I?

The dim light of the tunnel grew brighter, but he was sure it was only him that could feel its glare. Weariness slipped into him and his knees buckled. He dropped to the floor and carried on falling.

Please let me wake from this dream. Please let me wake from this—

Dave was worried about Derrick and he so hoped his bestfriend would make it. Heck they'd been through worse in prison. One time Derrick had been almost beaten to a pulp the prison doctor had insisted they were too late, but within a few hours Dave was up in bandages and stitches but grinning as if nothing had happened. It wasn't only that time either Derrick had always been attacked constantly there. When Dave first arrived in prison Derrick was a terrified young boy who kept looking around nervously. After Dave moved into his cell he adopted Derrick and made it his duty to protect him. Without Derrick with him he'd surely lost his mind. Surely now he couldn't abandon him, he had to fight through this and rest. If anyone could do it, he could. Keri came round to Dave and embraced seeing he was looking at Derrick, "He'll make it, I promise Dave!"

He smiled and nodded, no Derrick would soon be up annoying him again like nothing had ever happened.

Keri looked down at Derrick fighting tears that threatened to come out of her eyes. Her arm still hurt from where he had kicked her.

'If he dies I'm gonna kill any stickin zombie that I see.'She thought her hand went to the hidden gun under her shirt, it was hidden so that no one would be able to find it. Even Dave wouldn't know it was there, she had extra rounds hidden on her too. It was a SMITH AND WESSON MODEL 442 REVOLVER that had hollow point bullets. She had two speed loaders and and then just five other extra bullets so she had a total of 20 bullets and she wasn't going to use them unless she had to. Plus she could always try and get back to her apartment and get some more weapons. She had enough, maybe just maybe she would be able to sneak away with Dave long enough to get them and come back equiping the others with enough weapons to keep them safe. Just maybe, though she didn't have enough for everyone to have a gun.

"You ok, Keri?" Dave asked, she snapped out of thought and her hand came away from the gun and she ran a hand through her hair.

"I'm fine, and I'm sure he will be too." She said smiling at him.

2:15 pm. Day 1. Mev.

"Dave, Mev, the ladder's right here. You scout it out, and I'll see what I can do about these fools."

Mev accepted the flashlight and stepped onto the ladder behind Dave. He heard Kevin shouting behind them, and was glad not to be in his place. It must be like herding sheep.

"There's a cover," Dave said.

"So take it off or something." Mev shined the light at it. It was dripping with algae, and had a crusted handle in the center. Dave fumbled at the latch, prying with his fingernails. It appeared rusted shut; Mev didn't like to think about the options if that were the case.

"It's stuck."

Mev shook his head. "No fucking way. Here, take the light."

But at that second, it cracked open. Dave pushed it off, and the shaft was filled with light. Things went quiet for a second below them, as Dave scrambled out. Mev followed.

It was deserted, but there were sounds in the distance: shouts and car engines. The city was awake, and finding monsters. They were in a tourist-y, commercial district. Glitzy shops lined each side of the street; a burglar alarm was flashing silently in one of them. Mev checked his watch.

"It's okay," Dave shouted into the tunnel. "There's no one here." He passed the light back down, and Keri and Adara climbed out.

Mev drew his gun, and stood a few paces away, ready to fire. He watched the group. Joanna was waiting by the mouth of the shaft. After a minute, the top of Derrick's head appeared. Dave took him from Kevin, and heaved him out, setting him down on the cement. Kevin, cursing and sweating, followed behind.

"Abby?" Joanna shouted into the hole. "Everything okay?"

"Fuck," Mev heard Abby moan, from inside. "These bars are all gross... And slimy."

Kevin rolled his eyes and leaned over to shout into the manhole. "Come on you dumb bitch, move it!"

"Shut up! I'm coming." She was the last in the tunnel. The others were peering nervously around the street or staring in at her.

"This sucks. I can't-" Abby stopped speaking abruptly.

"Abby?" Joanna called. There was no answer, then a scream. Kevin reached into the tunnel and grabbed her hand, pulling her part of the way out; Mev saw a flash of her terrified face before she was jerked back in in a flurry of blonde. She was gone, out of Kevin's reach. The screeching continued; Mev ran towards the manhole as Kevin fired into it. A scuffling sound came from within; Abby's screams continued as did a savage growling.

By the time he reached the manhole the screaming had stopped. "Is she?"

Mev starred into the hole. Only part of Abby's body was visible. Her face and torso were shredded, and blood bubbled out of her neck, mixing with the sewage in the pipe. Kevin kicked the manhole cover back into place, and holstered his gun.

"Forget her. Nothing we can do." His face was stone cold.

2:20 pm

Katalyn

"Are we heading in any direction in particular or just trying to get lost?" Kat snapped as they rounded another corner and had to step around yet another body. This one was a young woman, her blond hair and pale face smeared with red.

"We'll reach the shops soon," Louis explained. "And there's sure to be people there and if not, there's the garden centre. Lots of heavy objects in there."

"That's your plan?" Katalyn demanded loudly as she walked around another of the zombie's victims.

"Shush. That blood's fresh..." Louis hesitated as he stared down at the corpse and licked his lips nervously. "Very fresh. His killer might still be around."

"Are you alright?" Kat asked, softening her voice, as her companion stumbled, eyes still transfixed upon the body.

"Just fine," Louis assured her as they passed some of the smaller stores. A car engine hummed in the distance and a high pitched scream filled the awkward silence as both companions tried to ignore the lie that hung between them.