SEASON 2 EPISODE 6: Decide

            The Church is quieter now. Not silent, just quieter; less active. The air is depressed with the feelings of loss and anger. The perimeter of lined up cars around the parking lot of the student center seemed to feel much smaller in some strange way. But just outside the perimeter beside the cemetery were three graves dug. All three graves were empty, but each had their names painted on different crosses standing in the ground. Their names were painted in their favorite colors: London’s was red, Zack Castanon’s was black, and Zach Golden’s was yellow.

            Standing in front of the three graves was Timothy. His dark hair was growing longer and his facial hair was coming through more and more each day like most of the other guys. The wind blew the hair in front of his face hiding the falling tears. It has been three days since Ian and Jenna had left. The sky was growing more clouded as the fall turned to winter. Tim watched his shaking breath vaporize into the cold air.

            [Tim]: I think for the first time…I’m depressed. I feel like I’ve lost everything even though I haven’t. I know I still have people here, but that’s just it: I’m tired of here. You three are lucky. You’re all in a much better place. I want to leave here and join you. But I know I can’t. These people need me. I do my best to lead, but lately I’m just…I’m just tired.

            Tim knelt in between Zack and Zach. He wiped his face gently of the tears that didn’t cease streaming down his pale face.

            [Tim]: I’m tired of crying, and feeling depressed, and feeling so helpless and hopeless. I’m tired of being hungry, and thirsty, and hurt when I think of words to say to you two but you’re not here to hear me. I’m tired of forgetting all the people who are dead are gone. I’m tired of being tired…I’m tired of being their leader.

            Tim stood up and pulled his hair back. Sniffing hard he blinked away his last tear.

            [Tim]: I miss you guys.

           

            Rich watched Timothy reenter the Church perimeter and walk towards the balcony. Rich could see the weakness in Tim. Everyone here was weak. They weren’t willing to do what was necessary to survive. But Rich was. In a world like this, you must take risks, and you must do things you don’t want to do. Rich can do just that. He should oversee these children, not the other way around. He could still hear his son’s words echoing in his mind. There is no greater pain to a father than to hear his son choose his friends over blood. Christian had the choice: his father, or the youth group led by Tim; Christian was given the choice between the man who raised him…or Timothy Roland.

            Rich’s hatred for Tim could only grow. Seeing that skinny little boy who thinks he’s a good leader and great man solemnly climbing the steps of the balcony made Rich tense with irritation. His fists were white as the blood was pushed away from his knuckles.

            Timothy opened the door to step inside the youth center. Rich stopped him in his tracks.

            [Rich]: I need to talk to you.

            [Tim]: A lot of people need to talk to me.

            [Rich]: Well this is important. And it’s time you got yourself a wakeup call. Now, I am an adult, and a grown man who has lived longer than anyone here. I have the wisdom and the knowledge to lead and guide these children. I’ve done it almost half my lifetime. So, if you want to make things easier on yourself, and if you want to really help your friends for the better…you will put me and Mrs. Reed in charge.

            The words were almost soothing to the ear. The idea that Timothy didn’t have to care anymore, that if something were to happen to him he would be accepting of it. He wouldn’t have the responsibilities, or the weights to bare…

            But he can’t. He can’t make that decision on his own. It was his group that voted for him. If a change in leadership was going to happen it must be put to vote.

            [Tim]: I’m sorry, but the group voted for me. If you want to be in charge you will have to win their approval.

            [Rich]: You and I both know how that would go. These people here hate me. My own son chose you people over me. Nobody understands what it takes to live in this world. I do.

            [Tim]: (angrily) You left Lee in that neighborhood to die. He’s still trying to recover!

            [Rich]: (Harshly) It was something that had to be done.

            [Tim]: Obviously not. Because he is still here and we still have plenty of supplies.

            [Rich]: And if we are attacked, Lee will become a liability and possibly kill more of us.

            Tim smiled. It was sarcastic. Rich’s proposal was too good to be true. He wouldn’t dare allow Rich to be in charge. So, until they find someone else, Tim will continue holding up this grand weight that everyone rested on top of him.

            [Tim]: You don’t know what it takes to survive. As a group we have to help each other. Not abandon one another.

            Tim began to walk away. He stopped in his tracks. He could feel Rich’s angry glare from behind. Tim slowly turned around.

            [Tim]: You want to know who knew how to survive?

            Rich only stared numbly.

            [Tim]: Zach Golden. ‘Tried to show us, but it was all too fast and too soon for us to handle. If we were strong from the start he would still be here. You wanna know why he knew what it took to survive? Because he tried to help us; show us how to fight them. He didn’t fend for himself and abandon us. He fought for us, and more…and we thought he was insane. So, don’t tell me you know what it takes to survive because you don’t know.

            With that, Tim turned around and walked away. The fire in Rich’s eyes grew stronger.

           

            Maddy was sitting next to Lee who was resting after going for a walk around the student center.

            [Lee]: I think I’ll be good by the end of the week.

            [Maddy]: Cool.

            Lee could tell that Maddy was feeling depressed over the loss of London. Those two were beginning to be great friends. She taught Maddy how to use a sword, and Maddy taught her to play the guitar. Then just like that, she was killed.

            [Lee]: You okay?

            [Maddy]: I will be. I’m just…tired of losing people is all.

            [Lee]: Me too. I miss Zach. I miss joking around and being stupid with him. I miss talking about comics and movies and girls…nothing feels right anymore.  

            Maddy didn’t respond. She, like everyone else missed Zach too for nearly the same reasons. He made everyone laugh and he seemed easy to approach with whatever problems you had. Now he’s gone, and so is London, Zack Castanon, and so many others. Suddenly, Lee nudged his sister’s shoulder.

            [Lee]: Hey. It’ll be okay eventually. One day it will.

            Maddy looked at Lee. He was so sure of what he said, to the point that Maddy was almost convinced. Almost.

            [Maddy]: Okay.

            Dylan paced the lines of cars surrounding his new home. He’d always imagined living here at the church with all his friends. It would be so much fun getting to live together and have fun and not worry about school, or family problems, or money or anything. They would just be together and get through everything that came their way. Now that that fantasy is finally here, he just wants everything back to normal again. It’s not even close to how he expected it to be. Dylan got what he wanted, but there were prices to pay: people would die. Thousands, even. People including his friends and family would die awful deaths when they screwed up in this dark new world. Food, water, and weapons never came easy…and you would have to kill. Killing by the dozens, both alive and dead.

            And there were other responsibilities, like the one Dylan was doing right now. Making sure there were no flaws too great for a Rover to break through the “walls”. For the most part there were no flaws, but every so often, a rover would gain enough momentum to slide over the hood of a car and fall onto the other side. They didn’t last long after that; Dylan was getting good with the crossbow.

            Just then, Kelley Roland came walking up with a sharp shooter shovel.

            [Dylan]: ‘sup?

            [Kelley]: I wanted to help you watch the walls.

            [Dylan]: It’s alright, I got this.

            [Kelley]: I know…I just wanna start contributing. I feel like since the property…and Zach, I haven’t done anything.

            [Dylan]: Yeah.

            Suddenly Dylan’s remote activated and Tim was patching through.

            [Tim]: Hey Dylan, you there?

            [Dylan]: Yeah. What’s up?

            [Tim]: Need to talk to you and a couple of others. It’s important. Meet us in the senior boys Sunday school class.  

            [Dylan]: On my way.

            Dylan looked over at Kelley. She nodded and tightened her grip around the shovel.

            [Kelley]: It’s okay. I got this.

            Dylan trusted her, and walked back up to the student center. Meeting in the room, Dylan was standing beside Tim, Lee, Brittany, and Bailey.

            [Dylan]: What’s up guys?

            [Tim]: We were going to talk about Denbury.

            [Dylan]: It’s about time. It’s been three days since you mentioned it…and avoided talking about it.

            [Brittany]: That’s what I don’t understand, Tim. That’s something you have to tell us.

            [Tim]: I get that guys, but I wanted to wait for things to cool off after London, and Ian and Jenna leaving.

            [Bailey]: I mean…with this whole “Denbury” situation, I don’t see things cooling off anytime soon. And you putting this meeting off only worried us even more.

            [Lee]: Look, honestly, I would’ve done the same thing. He’s lost a close friend and so did all of us. I enjoyed getting to relax these couple of days.

            [Tim]: Thanks, Lee, but this isn’t the point. The point is, Denbury was the name of a community that I assume is responsible for London’s death. When me and…when me and Zack arrived at the police department, we found a man; what was left of him and his sanity at least. On top of that we found a hat on the ground with the name “Denbury” on it. The man there at the department kept saying over and over “the only ones supposed to live.”

            [Dylan]: Whoa…just like the blood written at Kat’s house.

            [Tim]: Exactly. After we were attacked by rovers, and Zack was…you know. I went to the insane man who was on the brink of death. Just before he died, he made a comment about Costco. I didn’t know what it meant, but I think I know now. It means whoever looted that department, made that man go insane, and killed Kat…is there at Costco.

            [Bailey]: He wasn’t insane after all.

            [Brittany]: So…what do we do?

            [Tim]: I think we need to know what we’re dealing with. Ian and Jenna need to know what they’re dealing with. We don’t know how strong they are, and if we mess this up, we could get attacked by them and then we lose everything.

            [Lee]: I’ll go.

            [Brittany]: No. Lee, you’re still trying to heal. If it gets bad you need to be strong enough to escape, maybe even fight.

            [Bailey]: Brittany’s right. You so much as run you’ll just reopen your cuts. Maybe even cause internal bleeding.

            [Tim]: I should be the one to go. I’m the most familiar with this issue.

            [Lee]: Then you need someone else to go with you. Someone to watch your back.

            [Tim]: I’ll take Christian. It’ll be good for him to take a break from everything.

            [Brittany]: You think his dad will be okay with that?

            [Tim]: It’s not up to him. It’s up to Christian. I’ll ask him.

            [Bailey]: Another issue is weapons. If this does go bad and we have to fight Denbury, we aren’t even close to being prepared. We need more guns and ammunition, and we need freaking walls. Like actual walls.

            [Dylan]: I can scavenge for guns at the property. They had a gunroom and two lockers full of guns. If we can get those supplies here we’d have twice as many weapons and we could make bullets.

            [Lee]: Plus, they had a lot of building material like concrete. Metal sheets and wood.

            [Bailey]: Then while Tim and Christian go, Dylan and someone else can get those supplies.

            [Dylan]: Okay, I’ll take Maddy.

            [Tim]: So, we have a plan. Let’s tell the others, and get this going.

            Not long after the meeting, Tim approached Christian who was sitting by the closet door.

            [Tim]: Hey Christian. I have to ask a favor. I need your help.

            [Christian]: You’re going on a scouting mission and you need my help?

            [Tim]: How’d you know?

            [Christian]: I listened to yalls meeting.

            Christian stood up grabbing his backpack and rifle.

            [Christian]: Let’s go.

            [Tim]: We should ask your dad-

            [Christian]: No, it's fine. Let’s go.

            Loading up into one of the sedans, Tim and Christian drive away towards Costco taking 1314. Maddy and Dylan took a truck and drove back to the property.

            Brittany watched the two vehicles leave the church from the student center balcony. Stomping onto the balcony behind her, Rich looked out to see the cars leaving.

            [Rich]: What is going on? Where’s Christian?

            [Brittany]: I told Lee to tell you…I guess he must’ve forgotten.

            [Rich]: …forgotten what?

            [Brittany]: This wasn’t my choice, Mr. McDowell, but Christian decided to go with Tim-

            [Rich]: What?! Where?

            [Brittany]: To scout out the Denbury community.

            [Rich]: My god…I’m following them.

            Before Rich could step down the stairwell, Brittany stood in front of him.

            [Brittany]: Hold on, sir, they’re going on a scouting mission its crucial we don't know what exactly we’re dealing with. If you interfere with that you could get Tim and your son killed.

            [Rich]: Get out of my way, girl-

            [Brittany]: It’s a scouting mission they’re not in danger-

            [Rich]: I said get out of my way-

            [Brittany]: RICH! You will get Christian killed! Your own son!

            Rich stopped trying to resist and simply glared at Brittany. He was nearly a foot taller and was just inches from her. Brittany found herself overwhelmed with fear as she looked up to this hulking man. For years she was drowned in anxiety and fear, and she was tired of this mental anguish. She hated being controlled by adults, and being controlled by men who thought they were in control of everything. She was just…tired.

            [Brittany]: You…will go back inside. Or your only son will die.

            Rich’s eyes squinted and his lips pursed into a cringed smile. He leaned in closer towards Brittany’s face.

            [Rich]: Are you…actually threatening me?

            Brittany stepped closer and braced her left hand against his chest and pushed him, the other hand gripping the gun in her holster.

            [Brittany]: I’m not the threat. You are.

            For what seemed like hours, the two just stared at each other. Rich’s feet shifted barely, turning towards the door; Brittany gently let out a sigh of relief as Rich disappeared inside the building. The moment the door shut, Brittany collapsed, her tear ducts opening and pouring tears of fear and relief. For what could have been one of the first times she’s ever stood up to someone at this particular level, she felt broken…and in a strange way…she felt reborn.

            Driving down 242, Tim and Christian were silent most of the trip. Tim made several glances at his friend as he guided the sedan down the road. Christian was tense, and he was angry. Finally, Tim found the words to say to his brother.

            [Tim]: Christian I don’t want you to hurt your relationship with your dad. I know he’s done things…and said things. But he’s your father. He still deserves your respect.

            [Christian]: I know. But he needs to know that I’m growing up now.

            [Tim]: You’re right. You’re a man now, and you can make your own decisions. But your dad needs to know when you’re leaving or staying. Whether you like it or not, your dad is a part of our family. We must help each other; have our backs…even if some of us don’t care.

            [Christian]: I know.

            [Tim]: That’s good.

            They stopped the car just a few hundred yards from Costco. Stepping out of the vehicle, Christian was approached by a lone rover. Pulling out his knife, he slashed at its skull until it was dead.

            [Tim]: We gotta keep a low profile. No matter what, we can’t be discovered.

            Just then, they heard guns click behind them. Christian and Timothy spin around with their guns in hand-

            [Dom and Pat]: Freeze!

            Cruising down the road, Dylan and Maddy enjoyed the silence. Maddy was driving, while Dylan dug the grill and grime out of his crossbow.

            [Maddy]: Dude it’s so nice to get some peace and quiet.

            [Dylan]: For real, I can’t wait for things to finally just calm down and this virus to kill over you know?

            [Maddy]: Yeah. So are we just getting guns or…

            [Dylan]: We’re getting guns first, and then if everything goes well, then we’d load up the metal sheets and concrete and other tools in those storage units.

            [Maddy]: Yeah. I don’t like going back there though. So many of us were lost…that car…We watched Shane and Josh get shot so many times.

            [Dylan]: I know.

            The two turned onto Firetower rd, and from there they could see the remains of Brittany’s car still black with fire stains and riddled with bullet holes. Slowly driving past, it, Dylan numbly gazed at the rotted flesh of Josh and Shane. All this time…they were still there. Part of Dylan wishes that they came back as one of the rovers. Anything was better than being like that. At least as rovers they were still in a dark form of living.

            Pulling into the property, the fields were almost completely absent of rovers save for a couple spread across the six-acre estate. Dylan immediately loaded a single arrow into his crossbow, pulling back the sling and locking it in place.

            [Dylan]: Park next to the gunroom. I’ll break into it and gather the supplies while you stand guard.

            [Maddy]: Okay.

            Stopping the truck next to the white shed, Dylan jumped out and kicked down the wooden door. Maddy stood guard with her rifle watching the three rovers across the property who had seen and heard the truck drive by and were slowly making their way towards the two.

            Dylan sighed with relief; they hit the jackpot. Dozens and dozens of ammo boxes and weapons lay amuck in the shed, and the bullet-crafting tools were still intact. Immediately, he shoved as many ammo boxes into a duffle bag as he could. Carrying them back and forth from the shed to the truck, Dylan smiled as the tailgate was beginning to fill with nothing but gun supplies.

            At last, the three rovers came within ten feet of Maddy, and her patience was worn thin. Setting down her rifle to grab her throwing knives, she flicked the small blades smoothly, each blade clocking into the general area of the rover’s skulls. All three-dropped dead.

            Just then, faintly off in the distance, Maddy could hear the sound of roaring footsteps. It had to have been dozens of them all shuffling against the dusty ground all at once. They weren’t far, and they were drawing closer towards Dylan and Maddy.

            [Maddy]: Dylan we gotta go!

            [Dylan]: Why what’s wrong?

            [Maddy]: Rovers, a whole herd of them! They had to have followed us from down the road!

            Loading the last tool into the truck, Dylan and Maddy loaded up and then raced out of the parking lot. Taking a left turn back onto Firetower rd, they slammed on the breaks when they were met with the giant herd. It was less than two seconds before they surrounded the truck banging on the sides and windows.

            [Dom]: …Timothy? Timothy Roland?

            [Tim]: Dom, Pat…how did yall find us?

            [Pat]: We didn’t we just stumbled into ya! Dude this is crazy first Zach and now you-

            [Tim]: Whoa, wait…you found Zach?

            [Dom]: Yeah man, the dude lost his mind. He came to our community over at the Costco and he was just out of it dude. He stayed for like a day before he left.

            His mind racing full of question, Tim isn’t sure what to say next. Now he wonders what the priority is: find Zach, or go with Dom and Pat and check out the Denbury community from the inside and out.

            [Christian]: You live at the Costco?

            [Dom]: Yeah, man. What’s your name?

            [Christian]: Christian…and you’re obviously Dom and Pat.

            [Pat]: Yall should come check out our community! You have anyone else?

            [Tim]: No. We’re alone.

            [Dom]: Oh ok. Well come one, let’s show you around, maybe you’ll stay.

            [Tim]: I don’t think so…we’re looking for Zach.

                        As the four walked down the road towards Costco, Tim listened to Dom speaking as he observed the community. It was surrounded by cars very similar to the church, ladders led to the roof where at least six men stood guard with rifles, the perimeter was guarded by two men on each side that Tim could see, so there were at least eight guards around the walls. They had open an view to all the terrain save for the back of the facility where a thick net of trees blocked most of the view in that direction.

            [Dom]: Dude, if you’re looking for Zach then just give up. The guy lost his mind. When we found him, he was jacked up with long wacky hair and he had a beard, okay and covered in blood…and the guy has just lost it. He dangerous.

            [Tim]: I understand that but I’m not giving up on him. I have to try to save what’s left of him. Where was the last time you saw him, and do you know where he’s headed?

            There was a slight pause that brought all four men to come to a stop. Dom looked at Pat, and Pat looked at Tim.

            [Pat]: Okay look, several weeks back, he found out about Denbury attacking his community a while back-

            [Tim]: Wait…is this place not Denbury?

            [Pat]: No, we trade with them, though. Or we used to, and then when Zach found out it was them that killed his other friends he went on a man hunt for them. Later we sent scouts to check up on the Denbury…

            Tim leaned in closer.

            [Tim]: What is it…what happened?

            [Dom]: Denbury was destroyed…literally. And overrun with the dead. Somehow Zach took down that entire community on his own. I’m telling you. He’s not Zach anymore. He’s…something else.  

            Tim looked at Dom and Pat firmly and fiercely into their matching twin eyes.

[Tim]: Where is Denbury?

            Trapped in their vehicle, Maddy and Dylan are clueless as what to do next. It had been several minutes before finally, Maddy rolled down the window and pull out her knife.

            [Dylan]: What are you doing??

            [Maddy]: Just do what I’m doing!

            Maddy jams her knife into one of the rover’s foreheads, and proceeded to kill more followed by Dylan killing the rovers on his side of the car. Suddenly, a rover reached out and grabs Dylan’s wrist trying to pull him out onto the street! Attempting to resist but to no avail, Dylan retaliates by shoving the car door open knocking over three rovers. Leaping out of the car, he kills the three fallen rovers and shoves the rest out of the way, evading them till he’s clear from the car.

            [Maddy]: Did he just leave me here?!

            Maddy looked around the vehicle from the passenger seat to see if she could see Dylan, but the thickness of the herd around the truck was too large.

            [Maddy]: Dylan!

            Outside the car a few feet away, Dylan pulls out a small derringer from his pocket and fired three shots into the air, attracting the attention of most of the rovers, and drawing them towards him.

            [Maddy]: (Mumbling to herself) Dylan you’re so stupid, you’re gonna get your butt freaking chewed off if not from them, then from me! 

            Unsure of how to get back to the truck, Dylan shoots his last shot at one of the rovers, and then stabs two others with his knife.

            [Dylan]: I did not think this through.

            Peering out of the window of the truck, Maddy screams as loud as she can over the roaring of the dead.

            [Maddy]: Run through the woods till you get to 242, I’ll meet you there!

            Immediately, Dylan sprinted through the thick woods, the rovers slowly following him as Maddy drove away, reaching 242 within a couple of minutes, and it was ten minutes after that when Dylan burst from the woods covered in mud and gore. Climbing into the passenger seat, the two finally drove away from the property.

            [Maddy]: (Smiling) Well, don’t you look just fabulous.

            [Dylan]: (Smiling) Uh, yes Lord.

            Tim pulled the truck onto the side of the road next to a fallen sign that said “Denbury”. Before the world fell apart, it was a plant where they made oils and fuels. The funny part was…it was not even a mile away from Tim’s house.

            [Tim]: This whole time Denbury was just a few hundred yards from my house.

            [Christian]: That’s crazy.

            [Tim]: Stay quiet and stealthy, we don’t know if Pat and Dom were telling the truth.

            Quietly moving through the woods, they climb over thorn bushes and fallen trees. Sap and moss dangling like miniature vines of goo and fungi. Minutes went by before the trees cleared and in front of the two was a chain-linked fence go around the property of the community. What Tim and Christian saw was a devastating sight to behold.

            The entire community was overrun with the dead, fire and smoke engulfed half the structures, the grass had been burnt black to a crisp, and bodies lay burnt and bloodied all across the facility. The smell was overwhelming and dark; blood and smoke filling Tim and Christian’s lungs, ashes floating in the wind nearly blinded their vision, the clacking of the flames nearly deafened them.

            [Tim]: …my God.

            [Christian]: Zach did this?

            [Tim]: Possibly. Doing so wouldn’t be too tricky. The whole community is surrounded by woods so they wouldn’t see anybody coming, and if Zach was the one that brought all these rovers, and if he was a good shot, (which he obviously was) then yeah, he could have easily taken down this community.

            [Christian]: What happens now?

            [Tim]: Ian and Jenna don’t know about Denbury’s current state. Once they do, hopefully they’ll come back to the church.

            [Christian]: The fires still burning and the smoke is still pretty dark…what if Zach’s still here?

            [Tim]: This is fuel though and this place had lots of it. It would be burning for a long time. But…he could still be here.

            Yelling out Zach’s name at the top of his lungs, Tim scanned the area of any sign of Zach coming. The only thing that Tim’s calls got the attention of was the dead.

            [Christian]: We should go before we’re overrun.

            Christian rushed back into the woods toward the car, killing a rover along the way. Tim stood there for an extra minute, hoping that Zach will appear out of the smoke the very last minute…but nothing. Wiping away a straying tear, Tim vanished behind the woods.

            Returning to the car, Tim was about to climb into the driver’s seat when he noticed Christian standing in the middle of the road. He was standing so still…almost lifeless. His eyes were wide with fear and is mouth was slightly open. He was just…he was just standing there in the street!

            [Tim]: Christian?

            Walking towards Christian, he stood beside him and touched his shoulder. Christian’s head slowly rotated towards Tim’s eyes, and he pointed down the road a hundred yards away. Out in the distance just barely noticeable was a body lying in the middle of the road with a backpack beside it. It was black, with an Airforce symbol on it…the same backpack that Zach owned.

            Tim sprinted towards the body, doubting that dark possibility until he smelt it: the scent of rotted flesh and death.

            [Tim]: (Thinking) Maybe it’s not him…maybe it’s just coincidence!

            But no. He reached the corpse, and the body was nearly unrecognizable. The top of the head was decapitated, Zach’s backpack laid beside him, and he was wearing those basketball shorts he wore all the time, and in his hand was a machete. Tim knew in his heart that it was Zach. There was no other explanation; no other sliver of hope. His closest friend to have lived in this dark world was dead.

            Tim lost all feelings. He couldn’t feel his face as the blood rushed to his core. He couldn’t feel his hands as they hit the concrete. He couldn't feel his knees buckling as his body crumbled to the ground. He couldn’t feel his throat as his screams echoed throughout his darkened surroundings. He couldn’t feel his beating heart as a piece of it was torn. He couldn’t feel his life as it faded a darker shade of grief and depression.

            Christian was beside him trying to hold Tim together as his brother fell apart. Tim was broken, and Christian desperately through his own tears worked to mend his friend back together.

            [Christian]: (Sobbing) We have to go, Tim…we have to go.

            Stumbling to his feet, Tim was barely able to walk back to the truck, Christian took the driver’s seat and returned back to the church.

            Standing outside, Lee took a deep breath of the cold air. His body was weak, but recovering. He thinks he’ll be back up and about within a week or two. He turns to the sanctuary. It was broken and covered in ashes, and memories of his past flicker across his mind. He remembers his parents preparing to leave to go the farm, and then upon arriving at the church, everything changed. He thinks that his other family members might have gone there, and who knows: if the Church didn’t work out, maybe the group could journey there.

He remembers life at the Property, and how intense those first several days were, of how all these students were being taken home, and how he had to chop off his own dad’s arm, and how Dylan cut his wrists, Zach’s dad, brother, grandma and grandpa all died in one day, and how Dylan’s family was lost that same hour.

The action didn’t stop there. Since then, people have died, new friends were found, other friendships were made, conflicts with other communities arose, and life just got…more difficult. So many responsibilities and so much to think about and protect and so much to do…it made other things like relationships and girlfriends seem less important. Compared to love there was too much going on to have something like that to worry about.

Lee’s thoughts were interrupted when Tim’s truck pulled into the church. Christian and Tim slowly stepped from the vehicle and towards the Student Center. Something was wrong.

As soon as Timothy and Christian set foot inside the building, Rich McDowel pushed Tim across the room, making him stumble and fall on his back hard. All the other students gasped in horror.

[Rich]: You took Christian without my consent!

[Christian]: Dad please don’t, it was my-

[Rich]: Tim is your leader! In the end he made the choice to leave and take you without me knowing!

Tim wiped the tears from his raw face and slowly rose to his feet.

[Kelley]: Tim…what happened?

The group stood silent. Tim opened his mouth to speak, but only tears downed from his eyes. Christian cleared his throat before mumbling the news to everyone.

[Christian]: We found Denbury but it was completely destroyed…not far from Denbury…we found Zach.

The group gasped and moved in closer towards Christian.

[Christian]: He was dead.

Everyone was silent. Tears fell, and the sound of silent sniffling and sobbing filled the room.

[Rich]: This doesn’t excuse what needs to happen. Tim has proven himself to be a poor leader more than once! Multiple people have died under his leadership, and it’s time we saw some change, and the only right way this can happen is if the adults are in charge.

Rich stormed directly in front of Tim’s face. His eyes met Tim’s red ones. He glared into the broken form of Timothy Roland and slightly smiled underneath.

[Rich]: Timothy…I am the leader now.

Tim’s eyes fell, and his head just barely visibly nodded back and forth.

Brittany stood in complete shock as well as most of the other students. Dylan and Maddy stepped inside the room completely confused just as Rich turned around facing the rest of the students.

[Rich]: A lot of you think I’m a bad man. Everything I have done was to protect me and my boy. Now that I’m leader, I will do what I can to lead and protect all of you. As long as you listen to what I say, and to what Mrs. Reed says, you are welcome here at the church, and you will live. Tomorrow I’m going out to get Jenna and Ian because obviously they have no need to be gone now that Denbury is destroyed. This is how life is going to be now. There is no council, or group of leaders. I am the leader now, and you will obey me without hesitation. This isn’t a democracy. I am king now. My word is law. Do you understand?

The room is quiet save for the sobs and sniffles faintly breaking the silence.

[Rich]: I take that as a yes, sir. Meeting adjourned.

THE END

The Walking Dead: Revelation

Season 2 Episode 5:
No Love Lost

It was the rise of the following day that Brittany's plans for Ian, Jenna and London to go on a very well needed supply run had come. Ian, Jenna and London all met up at 8am in the parking lot.

[Ian]: Alright, are we all ready?

[Landon]: I am.

[Jenna]: Same here.

Jenna was carrying her 1911, Landon and Ian both had an AR-15.

[Ian]: Alright then, lets inform the others and then head out.

The 3 walked over to Brittany, who was talking to Tim.

[Ian]: Hey guys, we're 'bout to head out on our run.

[Brittany]: Thanks for letting us know. Do you know where y'all are going?

[Ian]: Yep. My house. We had a bunch of food there. Plus there was a lot of cars, so if we're lucky there'll still be some gas in some of them. We're gonna take 1314 up to 242, 242 to Gosling, and Gosling to the apartments.

[Brittany]: That's kinda far, you sure?

[Jenna]: Heh, we're sure. We got this. 

London nods in agreement. Bailey walks over to the group.

[Bailey]: Here, you'll need these, unless you want to walk there.

Bailey hands Ian the keys to her vehicle.

[Bailey]: It's got plenty of gas to get there, but don't go wasting it.

[Ian]: You hear that, London? Stick on route, you're driving.

He smirked as he handed London the keys.

[Brittany]: Alright, you guys should head out. I'll let the others know.

The group hugged as they left to Baileys vehicle.

[Ian]: Alright London, you know where to go, right?

[London]: Yep. 1314, 242, Gosling, your apartments, boom.

[Ian]: Great. Jenna, you keep an eye on our rear, I'll keep an eye on our flanks. Remember, don't shoot unless it's absolutely necessary.

[Jenna]: Gotcha.

[Ian]: Alright, let's go!

The three teens started away towards Ian's apartments. All is going well. A few rovers here and there. Abandoned cars sprawled along the side of the road here and there. They took a right off 1314 onto 242.

[London]: Hey Guys, we're bout to cross the underpass. That's more than likely going to be the most populated area. That, or Gosling.

[Ian]: Thanks for the warning, London.

[London]: Yup, just as a thought, we've got a big group of rovers up ahead, I count at least 20.

[Ian]: (Sarcastic) Great... I guess we gotta push through.

[London]: Alright, brace for impact.

Ian and Jenna braced for impact, and London floored the SUV plowing into the group of rovers. Blood splattered onto the windshield as they ran through the group. Just as they were about to get through, one of the rovers got caught in the right tire well, locking the wheel and forcing them to crash into one of the support beams at a high speed.

[London]: Hold on!

The SUV rammed into the barricade. Landon's seatbelt failed and she flew through the windshield hitting the barricade head and neck first.

[Jenna]: London!

[Ian]: Jenna, go check on her, I'll cover you.

Ian took out the rest of the remaining rovers while Jenna checked on Landon.

[Jenna]: Ian, come here!

Ian ran over to Jenna and Landon.

[Jenna]: Ian, I don't think she's breathing... what do I do!?

[Ian]: First of all, you need to calm down, control your breathing. Second of all, I need to check her pulse and check for any broken bones.

Ian proceeded to check Landon's pulse. He lightly touched her head and neck area, checking for anything broken.

[Ian]: No... no no no! She's got a fractured skull, and her neck is broken... she's... she's gone.

Jenna and Ian put London in the rear seat of the SUV. They sat up front, Ian driving and Jenna in the passenger seat. Ian attempted to start up the vehicle 3 times before he was successful.

[Ian]: Alright... let's go.

They got up to Gosling before the vehicles engine started knocking, and a few seconds later the car stalled.

[Ian]: We're out of gas!?

[Jenna]: Well... this day just keeps getting better.

Ian and Jenna got out of the car. Behind them was a trail of gasoline, and a small puddle under the vehicle.

[Ian and Jenna]: Well there's your problem. 

[Jenna]: We need to keep on going to your house. Which way?

[Ian]: There's the sidewalk there. It's relatively covered by trees and foliage, so the chance we're spotted is minimal. We have to leave Landon behind... I'm sorry.

[Jenna]: I understand. Let's go.

Jenna and Ian kept to the sidewalk, only encountering rovers in the uncovered intersections. Within an hour they made it to Ian's apartment. The main entrance was covered by debris from the floor above caving in. They went around back, killing several rovers on the way. They made it to the back entrance, where Jenna and her parents would always drop him off after their dates. There was some debris blocking that entrance as well. Ian and Jenna teamed up and moved it.

[Ian]: Hopefully my key still works...

He pulled out the key and slowly opened the back door. They walked in. The security door was shut, and the staircase to the right to get to the upper floors had collapsed, blocking the security door from being opened.

[Jenna]: We need to try and move the debris.

Jenna and Ian worked on moving the debris for an hour before finally being able to get in.

[Ian]: Jeez, obstacle after obstacle... My apartment is right here. Be ready for anything.

Ian pulled out his key and slowly opened the door. They walked in slowly, seeing a lone rover. It turned around and looked at them. Ian looked right at it... it was his father. The rover started moving towards the couple. Ian was motionless as it got closer. When it was a couple feet away from them, Jenna kicked it in the chest knocking it back several feet stunning it.

[Jenna]: Ian? Ian!

[Ian]: Jenna... I need you to step out for a second. Please?

[Jenna]: But Ian, I-

[Ian]: Jenna, please.

[Jenna]: Ok. I'll be right there if you need me.

[Ian]: I know..

Jenna stepped out into the hallway. Ian turned around to face his father turned rover, who was standing again, walking towards him. Without thinking, Ian launched himself shoulder first into the rover, similar to the church movie he had performed choreographed fight scenes with Zach Golden, only this time it was serious. Ian tackled the rover to the ground, striking it in the forehead several times with his elbow. Ian got up, and waited for the rover to get up. The rover moved towards him, reaching his arm out as if to grab him. Ian countered by forcing the rover into an arrest position, and slammed it's head into the corner of the table. He slammed it's head several times until it was unresponsive. Ian took several steps back, before sprint-kicking the rovers head into the corner of the table, forcing the corner into the rovers head it and killing it.. Ian looked at the body for several seconds, then walked towards the door. He stopped several feet before the door, glanced to his right at what was his fathers sword. With a look of no mercy, he grabbed the sword,  raised it above his shoulders, and paused. He flashed back to the hell his father had put him through. He swung the sword perfectly, decapitating the rover without clipping the table. Ian remembered all of the good times him and his father had; driving from Arizona to Texas, the trips to the gun range, and everything else. He dropped the sword as a single tear dripped down his cheek. He walked to the door, wiped away the tear, and opened it. Jenna was right there waiting for him, tearing up. She ran though the door and hugged him.

[Jenna]: I know you had to do that yourself, but don't do that again!

[Ian]: I won't Jenna. Promise.

[Jenna]: Good. Well, there is a problem in that we don't have a vehicle now.

[Ian]: Not necessarily. My dad's work had a cargo van, that he always kept full of gas. If we're lucky, it'll still be there.

Ian looked for the keys. He searched the shelf where they usually were, without luck. He then searched the rovers pockets and found both sets.

[Jenna]: How can you search it so openly... without feeling?

[Ian]: Because... he was dead. It was him or us. I'll be back in a second.

Ian went out back and jumped the fence, and walked out to the van, got in, and checked the gas. He pulled the van up to the back door and walked back inside. Jenna was gathering bags and boxes of food.

[Ian]: We're in business, just under a full tank. We can go another 307 miles according to the gauge.

[Jenna]: Yes! Alright, let's load up.

The couple loaded box after box, can after can of food. Items including cereal, nonperishable canned goods, noodles, and the like. They also grabbed some plastic utensils, and loaded everything into the back of the van.

[Jenna]: Alright, that's all the food I saw.

[Ian]: Alright, that should last a while. Let's move on to weapons.

Ian grabbed his dads Walther P22 and all the accessories for it, including a silencer, 300 rounds of spare ammo, and a spare magazine. Jenna grabbed Ian's dads sword, and his set of daggers. They loaded all that into the van.

[Ian]: Ok. In my room I have like 12 more pocket knives, one dagger, and that one prop knife  from the Renaissance festival.

[Jenna]: But it's a prop... should we get it?

[Ian]: I think so, I mean it's un-sharpened, but the tip can still go through a head.

[Jenna]: (laughs) Ok.

The couple started loading the knives into a bag, when Jenna saw something on Ian's dresser.

[Jenna]: Hey... isn't that the wristband you bought at Schlitterbahn, at my birthday party?

[Ian]: Oh... hey it is.

Ian put the wristband on his wrist

[Jenna]: Man... that was a fun day.

[Ian]: Yeah, it was. We spent so much of our time there in the torrent river!

Jenna started tearing up. .

[Ian]: Jenna, what's wrong?

[Jenna]: I... I miss Kat. We were going to hang out the weekend after this whole thing started... but now... I don't think that's going to happen.

[Ian]: You know what, then lets go find her. I mean she's family to you, and anyone who's your family is mine. So, let's go find her. We have enough gas, it's just the potential for ro-

Ian was interrupted by Jenna

[Jenna]: Yes, lets go find her! But... shouldn't we notify the main group?

[Ian]: Eh, that's a lot of gas to go back and forth. Besides, it's better to ask for permission than to ask for forgiveness. Lets load up anything else we might need such as batteries and lights, and lets get to your cousins house!

The couple loaded the rest of the supplies; the van was now full of non-perishable food and weapons. Ian had make-shifted a holster for his p22. The couple hoped into the van. Ian sat there, just staring out the window for several seconds, until Ian started crying. Jenna leaned in and held Ian for several minutes until he calmed down. 

[Jenna]: It's gonna be ok, Ian. 

[Ian]: I... I know, Jenna. Thank you.

 The couple departed towards Jenna's cousins house. Along the way they had killed over 30 rovers using the vehicle and attacking them melee.

[Jenna]: Kats house is just up the road, take the second right, 5 houses down on your left.

They pulled up to a sight of horror; Kats houses' windows were shattered, the door was broken in, and there was bullet holes everywhere on the outside of the house.

[Jenna, panicking, in tears again]: No... no no no no no....

Ian parked the van and hopped out. He loaded a round into the chamber of his gun.

[Ian]: Jenna, stay behind me, and stay calm, ok? Now, ready up.

They walked up to the front door, with weapons drawn. The door was open, so they walked in. There were no signs of life so far. Ian signaled for them to go upstairs. They cleared each room upstairs, still nothing. They moved on to the last room on the bottom floor. Ian counted silently to 3 and kicked the door in. Laying on the floor near the corner was Katherine, covered in blood, unconcious. Ian and Jenna ran up to Kat.

[Jenna]: Kat? Kat!? Katherine!!

[Ian]: Both her wrists are slit, and so is her neck, but I don't think it hit the artery. Jenna, clear that table off!

Jenna ran over to the table and flipped it, wiping everything that was on it off to the floor. She reset it upright.

[Jenna]: Done.

[Ian]: Dang... nice.

Ian picked up Kat and carefully placed her on the table. Ian ran to the near by bathroom and grabbed several towels, varying from wash rags to bath sheets.

[Ian]: Jenna, keep pressure on those wounds, I need to find something to help stop the bleeding.

Ian searched through several dressers , finding several shirts to use as turnicates. He ran back to the room, Jenna trying to stop the bleeding. Ian wrapped 2 shirts around each wrist. Ian instructed Jenna to keep pressure on Kats neck. Ian did a physical check of Kat.

[Ian]: She has several broken ribs, I think her collar bone is broken, I'm sure she has internal injuries, and she more than likely has a concussion. We need to get her back to the group now.

On the way out, Ian saw a spraypainted sign, reading: “THE ONLY ONES SUPPOSSED TO LIVE.” Ian helped Jenna get in the passenger seat with Kat. Ian got in the drivers seat and booked it back to the youth center. It took them about an hour and a half to get back. The time was now 7:48PM

Ian sped into the parking lot, narrowly missing a couple of the cars. He ran up top to the student center.

[Rich]: It's about time you got back.

[Ian]: Brittany, Bailey, we have a medical emergency, get a table ready now!

Ian ran back down to the van, turned it off and got Kat out. He carried her up stairs, being closely followed by Jenna. Audrey opened the door for them, and Ian set Jenna on the table they prepared. Timothy was now by the table. Bailey started unwrapping the shirt bandages to see the wounds. Several people were now surrounding the table.

[Bailey]: Oh my, this isn't good. I need space! Ian, Jenna, Brittany, and Timothy, you guys stay, everyone else get away!

Brittany was grabbing some anti-septics ad cleaning agents while Bailey was unsuccessfully working on stopping the bleeding. Timothy pulled Ian and Jenna aside.

[Timothy]: First of all, where's London?

[Ian] She was lost. Something happened... I'll explain more later.

[Timothy]: Ok, so what happened with that girl, and who is she?

[Ian]: This is Kat, Jenna's cousin. We went on a rescue mission for her, found her in her house like this.

[Timothy]: That wasn't part of your mis-

[Ian]: I know, but I made it a part. She's family to Jenna and I.

[Timothy]: I understand. Can you tell me anything else?

[Jenna]: On the way out, we saw a spraypainted sign. It said something like “The only ones supposed to live” in all caps or something like that.

Timothy's memory carried him to what the shrill man was repeating over and over in the Police Department. 

[Bailey]: Guys, problem! Kat has too much internal bleeding, there's no way I can stop it.

[Jenna]: No... you have to! You have to be able to stop it! She can't die!

[Bailey]: Jenna, I'm gonna try, but if I can't, then I ca-

All of a sudden, Kat's eyes shot open. She was breathing very rapidly.

[Katherine]: They're... the only ones... supossed... to... live...

With that, Kat took her last breath.

[Bailey]: She's... she's gone. I'm so sorry Jenna.

[Jenna]: No... no!!!

Jenna pushed Bailey and Brittany aside and grabbed her cousins shoulders. Jenna was bawling.

[Jenna]: Kat... Kat!!! Katherine, wake up! Katherine!!!

Ian walked over to Jenna. Jenna grabbed his hand and pulled him outside onto the balcony. She held on to him, not letting go, crying until there were no tears left in her body.

They stayed outside for over an hour, Jenna crying and Ian singing the whole time. It was now dark. After a while, Jenna calmed down. 

[Jenna]: Ian... thank you. You've always been there for me... through thick and thin. You've put up with me in my absolute best, and my absolute worst.

After several seconds, Ian reached over and pat her head several times.

[Ian]: C'mon, lets get inside, it's probably getting late. I have no idea what time it is.

They hugged as they left each other to go to their rooms to sleep. The next morning, Ian and Jenna both got up.Timothy woke up before any of the others. Seeing that Ian was awake, he walked over to him.

[Ian]: Hey Tim, we need to talk.

[Timothy]: What's up?

[Ian]: We need to do something about the people who killed Kat. I know you recognized the writing on the wall. I'm not just gonna stand for someone attacking a member of Jenna's family, which I consider my family, and let them get away with it.

[Timothy]: As much as I agree, I can't authorize this myself. I need to talk to Rich before I can make a decision. I just can't make a decision like this on my own. We'll get back to you later.

30 minutes later, everyone started waking up. Some went straight to work, and a few people ate a very small amount of food beforehand. An hour or so later, Timothy took Rich aside and brought up Ian's idea to him. A few hours later, they called Ian and Jenna aside.

[Rich]: Not a chance. I'm not sending a group out to recon a group. They're armed to the teeth and all we have are a few teenagers.

Jenna moved forward as to confront Rich but Ian grabs her hand and pulls her back and she calms down.

[Ian]: So, you're refusing to help us?

[Rich]: Exactly.

[Ian]: Well, then you've left us no choice.

Ian looked at Jenna for one last approval, she nods her head and grabs his hand slightly tighter.

[Ian]: We're leaving the group.

Several of the youth members around gasped in shock.

[Rich]: You're what?

[Ian]: You heard me, we're leaving. We don't want to, but if you are refusing to help us  find the people who attacked someone who is family to Jenna, family to me, and family to this youth group, then you're leaving us no choice! We're leaving, and we're going to find those stupid idiots who attacked and killed Kat.

[Rich]: No, you're not, I'm not let-

[Jenna]: You don't have a choice! This is our choice to make, and it's what we're going to do!

Rich stepped closer to the Ian and Jenna. .

[Rich]: Alright boy, you leave, get out of here.

Ian holstered his P22. Him and Jenna started gathering their belongings, including both sets of keys to his vehicle, several knives, and one other gun. While Jenna was gathering the rest of their supplies, Ian pulled Brittany aside.

[Ian]: As you know, Jenna and I are leaving. I'm going to put this plain and simple. I need someone else I can trust to take over the role of second in command. That's you. I want you to take my place as second in command. You've shown admirable leadership abilities. Timothy needs someone like you to be his SiC. I already talked to him about it. He says if you want it it's yours, just keep it low-key.

[Brittany]: I would be happy to. I'll let him now I accept.

[Ian] Thank you, Brittany. It's been great working with you. We will be back, for sure.

[Timothy]: Hey Ian, come here for a second.

[Ian]: What's up?

[Timothy]: We are going to look into the people responsible as well. We'll let you know when we decide to do something about it. I'm going to give you guys some water, and one full gas can to help out.

[Ian]: Thank you, Tim. It really will help. We did manage to siphon almost a whole gas can from some 50 cars at the complex.

[Timothy]: Good, so you should be good for a fair while.

[Ian]: We are going to raid the lumberyard next door several times, just be advised.

[Timothy]: I understand. Godspeed, Ian, good luck.

[Ian]: Same to you.

Jenna and Ian met up where the stage used to be, Timothy summoned the group together.

[Ian]: Simply put, it's been great, y'all. We've re-built. But due to the abstinence of one man, we're forced to take drastic action in the form of leaving. However this is not goodbye, it's just “see you later”. You are all phenomenal people.

[Jenna]: I'm going to miss all y'all.

Ian and Jenna took turns hugging everyone there. The couple walked out the door and to the van. They got into the van, still fully loaded with all the supplies they raided from Ian's apartment. Jenna and Ian faced each other.

[Ian]: You ready?

[Jenna]: I am. You?

Ian leaned over and kissed Jenna on the forehead.

[Ian]: You bet. Well, let's get going.

The couple departed the church lot and headed towards Jenna's house. After 25 minutes, they arrived safely, having killed several rovers. The neighborhood was relatively clear of rovers. Ian pulled the van into Jenna's driveway, devoid of any cars that should be there. Ian and Jenna got out of the van. They unholstered their weapons and walked up to the door. Jenna unlocked the door with her key, finding a lone rover in the house.

[Jenna]: No one I know.

[Ian]: Good.

Jenna walked in and kicked the rover back, and Ian came in for the kill.

[Ian]: Here's to no more of that.

The couple started unloading all of the food, weapons, and all the other supplies into the living room. After that was done, they drove up to the lumberyard and got a bunch of various pieces of wood, and stuff to pin them up with suck as industrial nails, hammers, screws, hinges, and the like. They did this same thing 3 more times, gathering over 300 pieces of wood. Over the rest of the day, they totally fortified Jenna's house; all the windows were boarded 2 layers thick inside and out, the doors were fortified. They make-shifted a locking mechanism for each door. No one could get in unless allowed by an occupant of the house. They left the original locks on the house so they can lock it in the event they leave. The couple spent the next day organizing all of their goods and weapons.

[Jenna]: Let's put all the food into the master bedroom. We can use the rooms as storage areas for the time being.

[Ian]: Sounds good. If we eat sparingly, we've got enough food to last us several months.

[Jenna]: Welcome home, Ian.

[Ian]: Thanks, let's make the most of it.

They sat there on the couch for several seconds.

[Ian]: You can have the bed, and I'll take the couch, cus your couch is comfy. I fell asleep on it for like an hour one time.

[Jenna]: Alright, let's do that.

They moved Jenna's bed from her room to the living room close to the couch. It was now pretty late at night, so they started getting ready to sleep.

[Jenna]: Ian, I'm going to go to sleep now, you should soon too.

[Ian]: I will, but I'm going to make sure everything is secure. Night Jenna.

[Jenna]: Be safe.

After another hour of safety checks, Ian finally went to bed around 1AM. A few hours later, Jenna was awoken by a sound outside. She went over to the couch and nudged Ian.

[Jenna]: Ian?

[Ian]: J.. Jenna? Wh... What's up? Why are you awake?

[Jenna]: I heard a sound outside... it scared me.

Ian slowly got off the couch and grabbed a flashlight and a dagger. He walked over to the front door, slowly unlocked it and peeked out. 10 or so feet away he saw a stray rover. He stepped outside and stabbed the rover in the head. He shined the light around, discovering 3 more rovers in the driveway. One by one he took them out. He walked into the house and locked up. 

Ian stayed up on the couch, waiting for Jenna to fall asleep. After Jenna had fallen back asleep, Ian grabbed a few of the knives they had taken from his house, and the sword, and snuck out of the house and into the driveway, flashlight in hand. He set the sword on the hood of the van, and shined his flashlight around looking for rovers. About 20 feet up the road, the saw a group of 3. He let out a faint whistle, only enough to get the 3 rovers attention. He pulled out one of the knives and flicked it open. With expert precision, he threw it, nailing the first rover in the Eye. As it fell to the ground he flicked open a second knife. He nailed the second rover, about 5 feet away from him. He flicked open a third knife, but the other rover had gotten too close for him to accurately throw it. The rover took a swipe at him, which he dodged. He nailed the rover with a reverse heel kick, and then stabbed it in the head. He recollected the other 2 knives and walked back to the van. He set them down and grabbed his sword. Up the other side of the road, he saw another group of 4. He let out another faint whistle to attract their attention. He gently set the sword down and flicked open a fourth knife. He nailed the first rover. “Woo, 4 for 4” he thought to himself as he picked up the sword. Ian positioned himself in an offensive posture as the rovers approached. He lunged forward, taking out the second rover. He repositioned himself and readied to attack again. He lunged, nailing the third rover. Before he could pull the sword out of the rovers head, the fourth rover was already there. He turned his attention to that rover. The rover forced Ian onto the ground. The rover was on top of him, attempting to bite him. Ian got his right leg up and flipped the rover off of him. He quickly repositioned himself and grabbed his last knife. He lunged, killing the last rover.

[Ian]: I think that's enough for the night... that was too close... Jenna's gonna be pissed.

He recollected his weapons, and slowly snuck back into the house, securing the door behind him. Jenna was still asleep. Ian very quietly walked to the supply room, and set the weapons down. He went back into the living room, and layed back down on the couch. He fell asleep within minutes. He woke up to some noise coming from the kitchen.

[Ian]: J... Jenna is that you?

[Jenna]: Oh hey, you're awake. I have a question for you. What the heck did you do last night!? I saw the bloodied weapons in the supply room, and you're clothes are covered in blood!

[Ian]: Well, after you fell back asleep... I might have gone outside to kill like 7 more rov-

[Jenna]: And you didn't tell me?! Ian you could have gotten yourself killed!

[Ian]: I didn't tell you because you really needed the sleep. I could tell you hadn't slept well in days.

[Jenna]: It's not like you didn't need the sleep. What if you had gotten killed? Did you think about that? You promised that you wouldn't separate us again, and if you had died, what then!?

[Ian]: Jenna, I'm sorry. I really should have told you. Can you forgive me?

[Jenna]: Of course... just don't do it again, Ok? I don't want you to die. Now, come to the kitchen... I made breakfast.

[Ian]: I- wait, you made breakfast!?

[Jenna]: Just come here! Don't make me take what I said ba-

[Ian]: I'll be right there!

Jenna handed Ian a bowl.

[Jenna]: It's a bowl of mini ravioli, topped with a hefty sprinkling of parmesan cheese, cus I know you like it. It's from some of the stuff we took from your house. The cheese was unopened so it should be safe. I split the can half and half.

Ian used his fork and got a couple raviolis with cheese and ate them.

[Ian]: Jenna you're the best!

Jenna let a big smile cross her face as Ian ate all of his breakfast she made for them.

-Transition back to the youth center-

[Timothy]: Man... we lost our second in command, and another student, that's no-

[Rich]: It doesn't matter. It's their choice to die. The smaller numbers are good, it increases the chance of survival for my family.

[Brittany]: How dare you!

Brittany started walking over. Several of the youth members stared as she approached them with fury in her eyes.

[Brittany]: This is NOT all about YOU! We are all a family now! We need to help each other. We can't have someone helping one or 2 people specifically to survive, because that lowers the rest of the groups chance of survival.

[Rich]: All I care about is Christian and his survival. I don-

[Brittany]: Don't... even... say it. If you don't care about the rest of us, then you don't need to be here. Now, you can make a choice. Stay and help us all, or leave.

[Rich]: Oh, so now you're going to accuse me of not caring about you? What about Jenna and Ian? They left without reason!

[Brittany]: They left because of you! Quite frankly, you are an a-hole.

Rich McDowell stepped towards Brittany, standing about a foot away from her, looking down at her eyes.

[Rich]: How dare you, you little-

Christian rushed over and got in-between them, pushing his father away from Brittany.

[Christian]: Dad, these guys are my friends! They don't deserve to be treated the way you treat them!

[Rich]: Son, I'm jus-

[Christian]: I don't care! Remember when you told me if it was you or them, and I chose them?

[Rich]: ...yes, I remember.

[Christian]: I meant it. Do not treat my friends that way.

Christian stormed away. Rich backed away and went to some other place in the building. Brittany turned to face Timothy, who had a surprised look on his face.

[Timothy]: Well... that was eventful.

[Brittany]: Yeah... so, what do you think we should do?

[Timothy]: I don't know... Hey, did Ian talk to you before he left?

[Brittany]: Yeah. He wanted me to be the second in command. If you're ok with it, I accept.

[Timothy]: Of course. I'm happy you took the role. I really don't want Rich to have a spot of power.

[Brittany]: Neither do I... man... this is gonna be a problem.

-Transition to Jenna and Ian-

[Jenna]: Hey, let's walk up to 501, see if there's anything we can salvage from there. I know where the keys are.

[Ian]: Alright.

Ian grabbed his sword, and a couple knives for Jenna, as well as his P22. Ian handed Jenna her knives and his gun.

[Ian]: That good?

[Jenna]: Yeah, but why'd you give me your gun?

[Ian]: Because, it wouldn't hurt you to have it. Besides, in case you need to use it, it has the suppressor.

[Jenna]: Alright, but what about you?

[Ian]: I'll be alright, trust me.

The couple made their way to 501. Jenna unlocked the door and they walked in.

[Ian]: Living room looks clear. This is your domain, tell me where to go.

[Jenna]: Let's clear the rest of the house together, just in case we run into a problem.

Ian nodded in agreement. The couple made their way through the house. They made their way to the kitchen to see a lone rover. Jenna tapped Ian on the shoulder twice and then pointed to the rover. Ian nodded and pulled out his sword. He stabbed the rover clean through the head. Ian pulled out his sword and the rover fell to the ground. Jenna gestured for Ian to take point up the stairs. He took position outside of a door as Jenna tried to unlock it.

[Jenna]: Shoot... the key isn't working. Ian, plan B.

Ian nodded as Jenna pulled out the gun, and pointed it at the door. Jenna nodded, and Ian kicked the door open. Jenna ran in first, Ian following quickly behind her.

[Jenna]: Clear. Search the closets for anything useful.

Ian walked over to the closet as Jenna kept watch. Ian slid the closet door open, and a half decomposed corpse fell out onto the floor. Ian jumped back and the floor partially collapsed under him. His left ankle was caught and he fell backwards, landing hard on his left arm.

[Jenna]: Ian!!! Are you ok?

Jenna rushed over to Ian to help him up.

[Ian]: Y... yeah, I'm fine... I think? My ankle is bleeding a little, but it should be fine. We have some first aid stuff at home. I want to look at the corpse.

Ian started walking over to the corpse, but he stumbled on the way. Jenna ran over to help him up, supporting him as they walked over to the corpse. Ian pulled out his knife and cut several spaces open on the corpse.

[Ian]: Hmm... rate... of decomposition suggests this poor person has been dead for... about a month? Maybe a month and a half. The size of his ribs, collar bone, hips, and cranial shape suggests this person was a male, late 30's, white. Poor guy must've taken shelter here, only to die. Rovers must've pinned him in here. I think he died of lack of sustinence, dehydration or starvation.

[Jenna]: Woah woah woah, how do you know all of this?

[Ian]: I've watched too much of a show called BONES. It's a show about forensics where they investigate dead people and find the killer. I don't know exactly, but I've watched every episode, so I know some. Now if you could, help me up? We need to search the rest've the house.

[Jenna]: Of course.

Jenna helped Ian up and down the stairs. Once they got down stairs, they searched the kitchen and living rooms. After about an hour of searching, they pooled everything into a pile in the living room.

[Jenna]: Ok. We got a few batteries, lord knows if their dead or not. We got some kitchen knives, useful. Other than that this was a bust. Someone must've gotten here before us. Let's head back.

Jenna and Ian walked back, Jenna helping Ian along the way. Once they got home, Ian cleaned off his wound on his leg. A couple days have passed without incident at either place. Ian's ankle was feeling better. The time is 4:30PM

[Jenna]: Heyyy Iaannnn, guess what I found?

[Ian]: I don't know, what'd you find?

Jenna walked out of the garage with a frisbee.

[Jenna]: If you're up to it, I also have a soccer ball! C'mon, let's play some games!

[Ian]: Of course I'm up to it.

Ian and Jenna walked out into the street. They each were armed. Throughout the rest of the day, they played various games outside, and killing rovers when they would show, until they were tired. Jenna walked over to Ian, looking like she was about to pass out.

[Jenna]: Let's... go inside. You hungry?

[Ian]: Ravioli?

[Jenna]: Ravioli. 

[Ian]: Sweet. 

THE END