Necropolis

Day 1. 4:30 pm. Jamie.

(OOC: Sorry for the time jumping. I'll get it back in time soon.)

When Jamie walked out of his bedroom, wiping at his eyes, Anne was sitting at the kitchen table. All of the cupboards in the house were open. "Good morning," she said. "You slept forever." Jamie grunted.

"You forgot to get food from the dairy when we went."

The events that occurred at the dairy washed over him, and he moaned. "Oh my God," he said, and his legs wobbled. He sat down in the seat next to Anne and put his head in his hands.

"I know," she said. "It's horrible. But we need to get out of here."

He looked up at her, horrified. "Get out of here? How the Hell are we supposed to do that? If we leave, we're going to be torn to pieces!"

"A car, of course."

"You have a car?"

"No. But look out the window."

Jamie stood and walked to the window. His legs still shook, but they were steadying.

There were several cars littering the roads. They were all empty, as was the entire street, aside from the occasional staggering form in the distance. "Oh. Would we be able to get there? Look at all of the cars."

"Yeah. I think so. I'm a pretty good driver."

"Okay, then. I'm in. Where can we get food from?"

She bit her lip. "I'm not going back to that dairy."

"All right," he said. "Where else is there?"

Her eyes brightened. "Costco? That isn't far away. Who knows, maybe we'll meet a real person on the way!

A real person. The idea seemed almost impossible, but Jamie knew that it was entirely possible. They couldn't be the last people left in the world, could they?

Jamie halted that train of thought. It couldn't move towards anything useful, and he needed to keep things together. "Let's go," he said, all too aware of the shaking in his voice.

The two of them spent a long time packing a bag with supplies. They had to search the entire space of the apartment for the meager things that they found. There was no food, and none of Jamie's clothes were suitable for Anne. They did find a first aid kit, and several other things.

"Jamie?" Anne said.

"What?"

"What if - what if there's no-one left? Anywhere, I mean."

"Jesus," he said. "Don't even think about it. For now, we go get a shitload of food, and then we'll decide what to do from there, okay?"

"Food," was all she said. Jamie paused. She sounded like a zombie from a movie. He shuddered.

The two of them left the apartment, not bothering to lock the door. They knew that no-one would break in now.

As they left the building, their pace slowed, and they began to scout the roads around them. The two of them didn't know when to expect.

There was no trouble, though. The two of them tried the nearest car, and nearly panicked when they found it locked. "What the Hell?" Jamie said, and he leaned in to look inside.

A decomposing man was lying on the back seat. Now that Jamie could see him, he could also smell the man's rotting flesh. He turned away and retched.

"What is it?" Anne said, wandering over to peer in the car window.

"Don't," Jamie said.

The man jerked and leaped at the window, and Anne screamed. "Shit!" she yelled, and jumped away, putting a hand to her heart.

"Different car," Jamie said, and the two of them ran to the next car as the zombie smashed his hands against the glass of his car window.

The car had an open door, and the keys in the ignition. Jamie got into the passenger's side, while Anne got in beside him. She turned the key in the ignition, and closed her door.

"Crap. Nearly out of gas."

"Will we get to Costco on that?" Jamie asked.

"Yeah, probably. We'll just have to see."

"Okay." Jamie moved to strap in his seatbelt, when something occurred to him. Why should I? The world's ended now anyway. The thought made him snort, and Anne stared at him. "Sorry," he said, and they began to move.

They began to drive, and it made Jamie's heart sink to see how desolate the place was. The only people he saw were corpses, and they weren't the best company.

"Where is everyone?" he said. "There must be some people, somewhere."

"Who knows?" she said.

"But, I don't even see any zombies. They must have gone somewhere, you know?"

"I know," she said.

They turned a corner, and a blur rushed at them. It bounced off the windscreen, and Anne stomped her foot down on the breaks. "Oh my God!" she said.

"What? It was just a zombie!"

"No, it was . . . the lady who owns the book store."

Jamie craned his neck, and saw the woman, recognising her in an instant. She had served him regularly, but now, all traces of that woman were gone. She was drenched in blood, and writhing on the street. As he watched, she began to stand up. "Drive," he said.

"But she's in the way!"

"Go! Just drive! Now!"

Anne began to drive once more, and Jamie felt a thud as they ran over the woman once more. After that, Anne's driving became more erratic. Her hands shook, and the car began to swerve, coming close to hitting several cars. They seen several more zombies, but none of them came close again.

"There it is," Jamie said, pointing.

"I know where it is," Anne yelled.

"Take is easy. Everything's gonna be all right"

"Just stop it. It isn't going to be, and you know it." She turned to look at him, and Jamie saw the hopelessness in her eyes. It terrified him.

The car plowed into the building next to Costco, and glass was all around them. Jamie and Anne both screamed, and put their hands over their heads while it rained down upon them.

Jamie looked up after a few more seconds. The world seemed to be spinning, and when he looked down at his arms, they were pierced with glass. They screamed with pain, but he ignored it. "Anne? Anne?"

She was slumped over in her seat, not moving. She too, was bleeding from dozens of cuts, and the sight made Jamie want to vomit.

He looked behind him and saw a group of six zombies. They were slowly staggering towards them. Jamie's breathing began to accelerate. "Oh God! Somebody help us!"

Heedless of the approaching zombies, Dave managed to push the door open and get out. He couldn't see anyone around, but he couldn't give up hope. "Somebody?" he yelled. "Help!"

The zombies closed in.

(OOC: Sorry for the long post. I reckon that should get me about caught up to where you guys are. )

Day 1. 6:25pm. Joanna.

Jo sighed in exasperation as she tried to clear the area to set up more tents. Keri had simply strewn everything across the floor, pulling poles and material from boxes and leaving them there. Hasn't the girl ever been camping? she wondered bitterly, kicking aside an empty box.

"We want everyone to stick together, but we need to have at least some separation between the guys and girls," she said, not looking up and moving a large tent out of the way. "You can set up the girls' tents over there, and I'll start on the guys' tents. Singles are better -- more privacy, less bickering -- but grab whatever you can."

As they set up the shelter, Jo's mind kept wandering back to Kevin. She had surprised herself with her boldness, but what did she have to lose? Might as well be honest. Along with thoughts of him came some quite inappropriate speculations of what might happen were she to share his bed, as he had jokingly offered. She really hoped Keri couldn't see her blush, and she tried to focus on the task at hand.

Once the guys' tents were set up, Jo looked over at Keri. The girl's tents were mostly set up, although in a somewhat haphazard fashion, and without a word Joanna walked over to help. When everything was set up, she found the pile of blankets Kat and Bernard had dropped off.

"Divide up the blankets -- make sure everyone has at least one." She grabbed an armful and headed to the guys' section again. "Just put them in the tents for now. They can redecorate later tonight."

As she distributed the blankets, Jo found herself thinking once again of Kevin. This time, however, it was mingled with concern: yes, they were not far away from him, but he was still going to be left out in the open, away from their group. Jo didn't like that. They would have someone on guard duty at all times, she figured, but still...

He's a big boy. He can take care of himself, she scolded silently. Concentrate! You're as bad as Keri. With new resolve, she finished putting the blankets in the tents and waited semi-patiently for the cots.

Day 1. 6:45. Elaina.

I stood back to admire my handiwork. Hmm. Not bad. I mean, not great, but I wasn't planning to go into the tent-assembling business anytime soon, and it would serve for the time being. I glanced around. Everyone was still bustling around, getting things done, setting things up, and I wondered if my idea still had any relevance.

I shrugged to myself. Ah, what the hell?

"Hey, where's Bernard?" I asked one of the girls. I'd be damned if I could remember her name.

She shrugged and turned away from me. "Dunno. Hey, Jo, where did those cooking supplies go?"

I watched her walk off, hand on my hip, then raised my eyes to the ceiling. "Or not..." Swallowing my pride, I headed over to Kevin's bed. His eyes were closed. I stood there for a moment, but either he didn't know or, more likely, didn't care. Fine. Well, I was going to skip the whole mothering act this time and get straight to the point.

"Hey, I want to run an idea by you."

He opened one eye. "What?"

"Idea," I repeated. I made a fist with my hand and dropped it onto my hip. "I know we've got the places to sleep basically set up. Well, we're short one cot for the girls' side, but somebody went off for it already." I waved a hand vaguely. "Anyway, water storage and food is well on its way, but what about a more secure area? In... here." I motioned vaguely to the area around us.

"As in, a stronghold within the stronghold, in case this place is broken into. Someplace we could all go to if we needed to. So, waste of time, or should I get on that?"

Day 1. 7:00pm. Katalyn.

We delivered the cots eventually and then I felt a little lost. A little useless. Others were still bustling around and I couldn't think of what to do. And I had this stupid tune stuck in my head and an urge to sing it. I appeased myself with humming the melancholic notes under my breath as I ducked inside one of the tents and began arranging the blankets and pillows. With that one finished, I started on the next, just trying to look busy, just trying to feel useful.

When I ran out of things to do in the sleeping area, I decided to gather some more water bottles and things. I grabbed a couple of rucksacks and set off around the store, picking up bandages, packets of crisps and anything else that looked useful. I found myself in the clothes section after a while and decided to grab some jumpers. I took my time considering styles and guessing at sizes. It wasn't like I had much else to do.

Dave
6:10 pm: Day 1

Just as soon as Dave was away from Car park he heard a loud scream.

No one was alive still or if they were they were with him? Not a good idea to chance it. Seeing a crowbar on the kerb he drew it up testing the weight.

It was a lucky find but wouldn't use it if he didn't have to. Still didn't know enough about the zombies.

The streets were silent.

Remembering the scream he ran back to the car park. His right hand gripping the empty gun in his pocket and his other hand holding the crowbar firmly. When he felt deeper he panicked the CD ROM was in his pocket.

Damn, I thought I'd given it too Keri!

The scream pierced the stony silence and his thoughts.

Dave finally could see the scene unfolding from car park. A group of zombies were surrounding a young man and women next to a car. Which appeared to have crashed. Realizing he could make up for getting person killed before in sewers, he sprinted over. His hands gripping the crowbar like a lifeline.

The man saw him finally and silently pleaded for him to come over. The man had no worries as Dave wasn't planning to leave him. He came to one of the zombies and swung the crowbar with primal force against the zombie skull. Brain matter landed on the ground and the monster head hung on loosely with some skin and arteries. The other zombies turned away from there victims and towards Dave.

An involuntary gulp escaped his mouth and his body shook, both his hands white from gripping the crowbar tightly.

What the fuck had he been thinking! Well at least he could save these peoples...

Day 1. 6:45. Jamie.

The car's engine still hummed, and Jamie's mind still raced to find a solution. The zombies were chasing after the man, and he was backing away, but he was almost defenseless.

He was useless. There was nothing he could do to help. Unless... The stirrings of an idea began in his mind, but Jamie didn't stop to elaborate on the plan. He jumped out of the car, and moved around to the driver's side.

None of the zombies seemed to notice as he tried to pull the door open. It wouldn't budge, but Jamie kept straining, the muscles on his arms bulging. Finally, it swung towards him, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

He was face to face with Anne, and now he could see her shallow breathing, forcing her stomach in and out. Trying to be gentle, he pulled her from the car and moved her away, laying her down on a patch of footpath where there was no glass.

Jamie took a deep breath, and forced himself into the car. It was the first time he had been behind the wheel. The car seemed undamaged apart from the shattered windscreen, but Jamie wasn't sure if it would even work any more. Time to find out.

He reversed out of the shop's front, being careful to keep the man in his rear view mirror the whole time, and began to turn the car.

When he was facing the zombies, he put his foot down on the accelerator. For a brief moment, he closed his eyes, but he opened them again in time to see several of the zombies go under the car. They made a horrendous thud, and the man gaped at him.

Jamie reversed off of them again, and twisted to the right, running over all but one of the zombies. It hobbled towards him and jumped on the car's bonnet, its fingers scrabbling for him.

He screamed and pushed backwards. The zombie caught a hold of his shirt, and pulled Jamie towards it, opening its mouth.

Just as Jamie was about to struggle, the crowbar swung into the zombie's head and it fell to the ground, releasing its grip. Now it was his turn to gape. The man holding the weapon looked terrible, but he still managed a weary smile.

He opened the car door, and Jamie fell out, grazing his knees on the pavement. The man held his hand out, and Jamie took it, using it to help himself up. "Hi. I'm Jamie. Do you know where we can find something to help her?" He jerked his head towards Anne, who was lying on the pavement, but now beginning to moan.

"Dave," the man said, and shook his hand. "We can take her into Costco, there's some people in there."

"All right," Jamie said. "Will you help me lift her?"

"In a minute."

"Okay." Jamie walked over to Anne and picked her up by the underarms. He looked over to the man and saw him take out a CD ROM from his pocket. It was as if he was making sure it was safe. Dave wondered what was on it for it to be so important to the man. Maybe it's photos of his family, he thought. From before the world falling apart.

Dave walked over and helped him pick Anne up. The two of them moved towards Costco, ignoring the mutilated zombies that still wriggled from where they lay occasionally.

Day 1. 7:05pm. Kevin.

"As in, a stronghold within the stronghold, in case this place is broken into. Someplace we could all go to if we needed to. So, waste of time, or should I get on that?" Elaina asked, her hand on her hip and her eyes blazing. Girl always did have spunk.

I thought for a moment before answering. Of course, though, my raised eyebrow and thin lipped grimace suggested more irritation than actual thought. I ran a hand through my hair, once more noting and mourning the loss of my hat, and thought about it a moment. Was there anywhere in Costco we could pull back to? The whole place was just one big warehouse, after all. The freezer? If we cut the power, pulled the perishables, it wouldn't be too bad. Too fuckin' bad we didn't have an electrician with us. The back offices were a possibility, though the doors on those things were flimsy as fuck and we hadn't cleared them--

For a moment I froze in my seat, my muscles stiffening.

--Tarzan and Angie hadn't come back yet. I glanced at my watch. It had been almost an hour since they left. It wouldn't have taken that long to clear the offices unless there was trouble. Or unless they decided to make some trouble. I frowned.

"Kevin."

I blinked and looked back up at Elaina.

"Are you on crack or something? Did you get into *that* crowd without me around?" I narrowed my eyes and wanted to yell at her. But we didn't have time for that.

"Come 'ere a second. Help me up. We gotta check on Angie and the other kid. They haven't checked back in." I extended my arm to her. She cocked her hip to one side and looked at me skeptically.

"They've only been gone an hour, Kev."

"I sent them to look at the offices. There are like three offices total in this whole damned store. You don't need an hour to check three offices."

She raised an eyebrow. "Maybe they needed some time alone."

I sighed. When did I become the bitch, and her the tough guy? I reached into my pocket, careful not to put too much pressure on my leg, and yanked my cell phone out of my pocket. No reception. Of course. Cell towers must be down.

"Fuck you too, then," I spat, probably the harshest thing I'd ever said to her in the time I'd known her. I swung my legs off the bed, first setting down my healthy leg to take the weight, then standing up shakily. I grabbed my gunbelt off the sheets and buckled it on, then slipped the pistol into its holster.

"Fuck this shit--I'm going to check it out, if you won't help me. I have a bad feeling about this, and I'm not risking losing this place, this 'stronghold,' because of stupidity."

I staggered forward, each step sending daggers through my leg and knee. I gritted my teeth against the pain.

"Kev, listen-- I'm sorry. I didn't mean to--just sit down, please---Kevin!" I shouldered past her, pushing her arm aside when she tried to get under my shoulder to support me, and glared at her.

"Fuck this. If I have to do everything myself, I will. But if I do everything alone, I'll survive alone. Don't expect to get a free ride." I left her standing there, obviously confused, as I shuffled away, leaning against aisles and shelves whenever possible to support me.

Never, ever count on anyone.

Day 1. 7:07pm. Bernard.

Bernard shifted the last cot into position. He knew they didn't look comfortable, but already he could feel sleep tugging from a corner of his mind.

Stop it. You haven't got time to rest... yet.

Nevertheless, after a quick glance around to make sure no-one could see him out of the open tent flap, he sat down on the floor and leaned against 'his' cot. Just a sit down. Nothing more. But how nice it was to sit!

"Fucking leg."

Bernard leapt to his feet and stared in horror at the sight of his patient limping down the closest aisle. Kevin's face showed a mixture of pain and irritation, but Bernard would have guessed the irritation was bothering him the most.

"Oi!" Bernard yelled and, after no reaction from Kevin, strode towards him. Despite his injury, Kev was moving pretty fast. If he goes and tears that ligament now--

"You're not gonna stop me, Doc," Kevin grunted as he attempted to move quicker. He couldn't, of course, and ended up pausing at the end of each aisle before stepping into the next. Bernard hurried after him, soon gaining on the injured man.

“Kevin!” Bernard considered reprimanding him for getting up, but by the look on his face, something was up. “What’s wrong?”

He leant against a rack that held mixed bags of sweets. “Bernie,” he growled, though due to the pain, or annoyance with Bernard for catching him, was unclear. “Angie and this other kid went to the back offices. They haven’t come back yet. That was an hour ago.”

“Shit.” Bernard sighed inwardly but understood the need for action. “So,” he asked, “is there any chance I can persuade you to go back to your bed?”

“Fuck you.”

Bernard nodded. That obviously meant “no”. He shook his head and then grabbed the main metal strut of the rack beside Kev. He tore it from it’s fixing and shook it, packets of Haribo falling like leaves to the ground.

“Use this as a crutch then,” Bernard handed the strut to Kevin, and then with a smile, “jackass.”

This didn’t achieve the snort of laughter he’d hoped for, but it settled things between them. Bernard took the lead without another word and Kevin limped behind, keeping up as well as he could. They had hardly begun to make any headway when slapping footsteps echoed from behind them.

“--fucks sake,” Kevin muttered from behind him, and Bernard turned to see who it was.

In a streak of flying hair, Elaina rushed towards them. Bernard grinned but she didn’t see; her eyes were firmly fixed on Kev.

Day 1. 7:06pm. Velna


Velna sat down on a rafter letting her feet dangle over the rafters. She thought about how she had gotten into the Costco in the first place. It had just been a normal day. And she had been heading home from school when she had seen the zombies. SHe had run just as fast as she could and Costco had been the closest place to hide. She had gathered a bag of food and a few blankets and then made a bed up in the rafters wehre the zombies wouldn't be able to get her. She had been up there ever sense.
She slowly walked across the rafters of Costco watching the people down below her. She had been watching the people for a long time now. She had made a bed up in the rafters along with the backpack of food that she had gathered before they had even shown up. She quickly scampered around watching the guy that seemed to be the leader. He had been hurt some how. He was slowly making his way through the isle. There was a girl following him trying to get him back to the bed he had been confined to. She smiled as he protested and sent her away. Velna followed him careful not to fall. He was headed somewhere, she hadn't quiet caught where, most of the conversations she had been able to hear, or at least hear parts of. She had found it very entertaining to listen to them. She wished they hadn't come though. That meant might be found, and she didn't want to be. She didn't trust anyone and she wasn't about to start now. She carefully walked over some supports and then continued running over the rafters watching the other people for a little while before she ran back and watched the leader slowly following him. She had become very used to running on the rafters and was now very skilled at it.
She watched as another man, the doctor, walked over. They talked and he handed the leader a crutch of sorts. They continued and another girl followed. She watched them as they walked, suddenly she hit her two against part of the rafter and flew forward barely catching another rafter in time. She bit her lip to hide the cry of fear as she dangled for a few minutes before she pulled herself back up and sat on the rafter gasping for breath her feet dangling over both sides of the rafters.

Day 1. 7:05pm. Jamie.

Jamie and Dave hefted Anne between them, moving towards Costco, their safe haven. Their progress was excruciatingly slow. "Far out," Dan said. "She looks light." Dave only grunted as they moved towards the doors. He didn't look as if he was making an effort.

Jamie surveyed the wreckage surrounding him, walking backwards, supporting Anne with his hands hooked under her arms. The car's engine was still purring, and zombies lay all around it. He knew they weren't dead, though. They still let out the occasional moan, or writhed on the ground. It couldn't be long before they got up again, and renewed their attack.

"Where did they come from?"

"The zombies? Dave said. "I dunno. I don't think anyone does."

"Have you seen any more people since . . . it happened?" Jamie asked. Dave only looked up at him again and surveyed him with his eyes for a few seconds, and then looked back down. Dude doesn't like to talk, Jamie thought.

But why should he? No-one really wants to talk to anyone now. Jamie realised that he did. All he wanted was for Anne to wake up so that they could talk. That was his one priority, and even that didn't look like it would happen. Blood was still dripping from her head, and Jamie didn't know anything about first aid. Dave startled him from his thoughts.

"Yeah. There's a bunch of people inside Costco."

"Is there a doctor?" he asked.

Dave stared at him again, but nodded. "Yeah. His name's Bernard." Jamie felt a surge of relief. She'll be okay! He lifted her higher and began to move faster.

Jamie pushed the door open with his shoulder, and the two of them carried Anne inside, making sure the door shut behind them. They put her down on the ground, trying to be gentle.

Jamie looked around, but he couldn't see anyone. "There's people here?"

"Yeah," Dave said.

"Would you go find someone for me? The doctor? Everyone here knows you."

Dave's gaze dropped to the floor. "I think you it'd be better if you did. I'll stay here and make sure she's safe."

"Thanks," Jamie said. "Thanks for everything."

For the first time since Jamie had seen him, Dave allowed a small smile. "You're welcome," he said.

Jamie walked down an aisle, and began to wander. He didn't know where he was looking, and he didn't hear anything. All he knew was that he needed help.

(OOC: Anyone, feel free to "find me." That should be caught up now. )

Day1. 7:15. Katalyn.

I was heading back towards the tents with a large rucksack slung over each shoulder, filled with the jumpers, crisps and other random items. Then I heard the sound of footsteps and paused. I turned to see who it was and found I didn't recognise the man. My heart began to beat faster as he hurried towards me but I tried to quell the fear.

"Hello?" I greeted him cautiously, ready to swing the bag into his face and run.

"Hi, do you know where I can find a man called Bernard? I have an injured friend and I really need to find him." I loosened my grip on the rucksack.

"We were setting up the tents a while ago, he might still be there." I replied, no longer surprised by the appearance of another person but curious as to how many others would find their way to the store. I turned and resumed walking down the aisle.

"My name's Kat. How do you know Bernard?"

"Dave told me about him. I'm Jamie."

Day 1. 7:12pm. Joanna.

Jo finished setting up the cots and surveyed the shelter. It'll have to do for now. Realizing they had no pillows yet, and knowing someone would undoubtedly complain, she ventured off to find the pillows. And if they complain the pillows are too firm or whatever, they can get their own.

"If you won't sit down again, at least let me help you." The Spanish voice again.

"Fuck that." A grunt accompanied this response.

Jo grumbled, then froze. What the hell is Kevin doing over here? Giving up her search for pillows for the moment, she turned the corner, just in time to run into Bernard and the crew.

She crossed her arms and looked up at Kevin, but immediately saw in his eyes that it was not a good time to challenge him. "What's up?" she asked, glancing at his leg, then back to his determined face.

Elaina was silent. Bernard spoke up. "Kevin's worried about the two who checked the offices." Stepping closer, he said softly, "This will certainly set back his recovery, but I have a feeling he'd end up doing more damage if we didn't let him do what he feels he needs to."

Jo nodded, not looking away from Kevin. "I'll get my gun."

As she jogged away, she heard Kevin mutter, "My gun," and then continue louder, "Fuck her, we can't wait. Let's go."

I'll be there sooner than you think.

Jo reached the tents again, cursing under her breath: the gun was not where she had left it. No doubt it had been buried or moved with all the boxes. Shuffling through things quickly, she finally checked the tent she had claimed as her own. There it was, laying on the cot. She grabbed it and exited, only to find a stranger staring at her.

She raised up the shotgun to her shoulder. "Who are you?"

"Jamie. Is Bernard here?"

"No." Jo made her way back to the main aisle, never turning her back to the man or lowering the gun.

"Please, my friend needs help, I need to find him!"

Sizing him up, she sighed and lowered the gun. "Stay here. I'll send him when I can." With that, she finally turned her back and sprinted through the aisles. Finally, she found Kevin and the rest of the group, and she caught up.

Elaina and Bernard turned as she ran up, but Kevin kept going.

Jo smirked, holding up the gun. "Oh, and Bernard, looks like we have more injured company. Guy's waiting at the tents. Says his friend's hurt."

Bernard looked uneasy. "I really shouldn't leave," he said, glancing at Kevin.

Joanna shrugged. "It's your call. Guy never said how badly his friend was hurt. I'm sure we can handle things either way." She walked quicker, catching up to Kevin. Giving him a nod, she shifted her grip on the gun, ready for anything.

Day 1. 7:15 pm. Adara.

My eyes opened and I looked around. Must have dozed off for a while, I thought irritably. I yawned feeling plenty rested and looked to the side of me. Kev had left. Typical. Even though he was terrible pain- I’d heard him groaning before I’d fallen asleep- he was out there…doing what? I thought that Jo was the new captain? Whatever. What did it mean to mean anyway?

I pulled myself up to my feet thinking of nothing but bad karma. There was a reason I was going through such hell. A reason for why we all were but at least I knew my reason. When I’d killed that little girl…even by accident I knew that God would never let me live it down. What sixteen-year-old would have known that she was around the corner? She was so little. It could have been the police. I did what was on instinct.

My stomach moved uneasily as I braced myself on the wall for a second before releasing it and carrying on down through the store. I had to use my hips to rotate my legs around because my knees wouldn’t bend and my ankles wouldn’t twist, but at least I couldn’t feel any pain through my legs like I had before. I was pretty damn happy. I started a new life a while ago. There was no reason to bring back old shit.

I just walked around in circles for a little while. Trying to get the feeling of it and then walked towards a destination. I could hear voices up ahead. I was dying to talk to someone. Then my eyes caught exactly what I was looking for… or would have, had I seen this person before. He looked pretty lost and impatient. A man tapping his feet and standing out of place in front of an empty tent…

I raised a brow and decided to approach him. It didn’t matter, I still had my knife in my jeans pocket.

“Erm…hello?” He snapped around and my hand instantly went for my pocket, but only rested there. It looked like he was unarmed.

“Hey! I’m looking for__” He cut off and looked at me. “What’s wrong with you?” I frowned but then realized that I must have looked horrible. My hair was on end the last time I check and now my back was hunched and my stomach protruding from my abdomen in attempt to keep balance.

“Nothing… I’m fine, really. Who are you?” He ran a hand through he hair.

“Jamie. I’m waiting for the doctor. Do you know where he is?” I guess it was too late for pleasantries.

“Well I’m Adara, and I haven’t really moved for the last day or so, so I don’t really know where he is… but I can help you find him?” At least I would be of some help. He half smiled and then immediately started walking forward. I wondered how long he had been here. We only got so far before Bernard was spotted walking briskly towards us.

“Ah, there you are. Jamie needs help” I said grinning inwardly to myself. Haha! I’ve helped someone! Take that karma.

“Actually my friend needs help…” He corrected. I shrugged. I was close.

“I heard.” Bernard said huffing tiredly. I wondered how many people he had helped today. Probably everyone here. I was jealous. He looked like he was going to say something else but then looked over at me and frowned. “Adara, why are you out of bed? I told you that you weren’t ready to come__” –Shit.

“I’ve been out of bed for a while. Sorry. I couldn’t take it anymore.” He shrugged.

“They’re your legs. I wish you’d rest more though. There’s nothing really that you could do right now.” He turned back to Jamie.

“Okay so what’s wrong with your friend?” I blocked out the rest. What did he mean by ‘they’re your legs’? certainly my legs were fine. I was walking wasn’t I? I huffed and then wobbled off from the two murmuring a goodbye that I knew they didn’t notice. I had to find some way to help.

Day 1 7:16pm Velna

Velna watched as the girl came over and talked to the others. She stood up quickly and darted across the rafters back to her makeshift home. She laid down on the small bed and closed her eyes. Compared to all the foster homes she had lived in this was heaven, or was it. There were zombies everywhere and people she didn't know below her that could shoot her full of holes if they new she was up there. She would make sure they didn't know she was there. She would stay hidden and only go back down if she needed food which wouldn't be for a little while. She tried to imagene what her parents would look like, what any siblings she might have had would look like but nothing came to mind. She couldn't think of any, they were gone. She had never known what they looked like and it was better off that way. If she knew what they looked like she would have to pull out emotions she didn't want to. She liked the mask she put on and how she never had to get close to anyone. The few times she had had only turned out for the worse. The people always left, and never came back or contacted her. She was just an orphan that no one wanted and it was going to stay that way. She wouldn't get close to anyone to keep from losing them. No more would she care, she wouldn't care if the people below her were eaten, it wouldn't hurt her, she was untouchable, no one could get to her. She was safe as could be. To hell with all them, it wasn't like they would help her any way if she needed it. They would make their makeshift home until it fell apart and the zombies came in and took over. They would all die in the end, then when the town was cleaned up she would get out and go back to being just another foster kid. She would be moved from house to house, town to town, and state to state. She would die alone, but not for along time. She would kill anyone that tried to take her life, no matter what she was going to survive. There was no need to get attached to people she would never talk to. They wouldn't last for very long anyway.

Day 1. 7:20pm. Bernard.

Make sure she rests, Bernard. You know, it would be awful if...

But, Bernard struggled to remember the consequences. Dr Steinman's voice just trailed off. Incomplete, a voice that spoke from a place that was worlds away. England called to Bernard, but he could not reply; the cruel thoughts turned to Bethany.

Don't think about her. You can't afford to.

"You ok, Bernard?" Jamie asked.

"Sorry," Bernard muttered, and pretended to be concentrating on Anne. Jamie looked worried. "Lots of blood, but that's expected. Head injuries bleed like hell."

Bernard's gloved fingers moved on their own accord, tracing over the tiny cuts that littered her face. Her hair was matted, and he peeled the bloodstained mass from her forehead. The bruised tissue said it all.

"Were you two wearing seat-belts?"

Jamie's face paled and he broke away from Bernard's stare. His white knuckles and ashamed expression infuriated Bernard.

"What were you thinking? It's not like it's the end of the world--" Bernard stopped. His stomach turned to ice, and he turned back to Anne. He'd broken a taboo; those words could be thought, but not said.

Bernard pulled a neck brace from his pack. It wasn't the end of the world, was it?

Was it?