Futuristic BioGenesis: Surviving the Post Apocalypse

[Ashmorne]

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The sound of the ocean was one that Lena's ears were still getting used to. She could here the waves from the coastline in this city. Maybe it had not always been that way, but now there was no noise from city life to drown it out. The dull whooshing roar of the ocean played in her ears until it was nothing but radio static. Though the air above her was still streaked with ash from years of pollution and war, there was something fresh and misty about this place.


Nothing about this city was inviting. Tall buildings rose up around her, decorated with broken windows from looters and tattooed with graffiti. She moved through the once cramped streets, weaving through abandoned cars and admiring the colorful vandalism with only slight distaste. Catching her refection in a smudgy car windshield, she paused for a moment. Her eyes looked wide, her face gaunt. How long had it been since she'd eaten? Dark raven hair was pulled messily into braid that tumbled over her shoulders and almost reached her hips. Who had time for a haircut? Her camisole was black cotton, fraying at the edges...topped off with a leather jacket that she cared about almost more than she cared about herself. She adjusted the tan messenger back slung around her shoulder, and kept moving.


All of Lena's defenses were on high alert. Anything could be out here, in this unfamiliar city. She'd lost track of all the places she'd been. She drove and drove until gas became essentially nonexistent...and then she walked. And now she was here. The sound of water called her, and she walked in that direction. On the coast, she would be safe from the crazed Stage Three victims of the virus. They stayed away from the water. Just the thought of the Compromised made a shiver run down her spine.


Buildings became smaller behind them as they approached the outskirts of town. Shielding her eyes, she looked at the sun's placement in the sky. She had been walking for about three hours, and could see the coastline outside of the city. A little ways away, she could spot the ocean spread out like a shifting carpet. But something else piqued her interest first.


A large expanse of a building sat at the end of a long, asphalt road. It was close to the ocean...close enough that not many Compromised would dare go there. The place looked like it had once been a college or some sort of institution. Weeds and wild plants grew all over, tumbling over the brick and wrought iron gates. Despite that, it looked as though it had been...prepared. The building wasn't crumbling or broken, or even as weathered as all the others in these wastelands. Hope pricked at her. It was old, but it looked promising. Thoughts of a rumoured abandoned safe house flitted through her thoughts.


A place where I could be safe. A place where others could be safe. What the hell. I have to go in.


She approached the iron gates, inspecting chains that wrapped all around them. No one had been here in awhile, from the looks of it. Setting her foot in the fence, she began to climb over. The sky was starting to turn purple with the evening, and she picked up her pace. Scaling the gates easily enough, she landed with a soft thud from her boots.


The building looked prestigious, walls of brick and marble in the midst of lots of property. It was so regal and pristine, a sophisticated beast among the rubble of her time. A big staircase, with two lion's head statues on either side, led up to a wide porch and a heavy door. She took a deep breath, and looked around, wondering if any survivors would be around. This building was definitely abandoned...but it looked habitable. She felt the first tinges of a hope long quelled begin to wrap around. This place, so artfully placed by the water, could finally be a place where she settled down. But first, she had to get inside and assess the damage.


She paused at the foot of the stairs, her mind running through the possibility of alerting people in the city. If this place was the resource she thought it could be, people deserved the right to know. She was so tired of running. If looters came, then they came. She had reached her point of no return. Reaching into her pack, she pulled out a small signal flare.


It released into the air, going straight up and breaking in a small red burst. It wasn't much, but she didn't need much. Only someone who was hoping, looking, and willing would see and respond to her covert message.


She would be ready to leave at a moment's notice. Standing there, her hands rested on the blades strung on her hip...she waited.

 

[TheMadIceCreamMan]

I walked quietly through the street as the wind thew some dirt up leaving the scent of rust and decay in the air. The sky seemed to be giving way to the darkness as the clouds changed their colors to fierce shades of reds and purples as the sun left. The only sound to greet my ears being rats fighting for scarps in the alley ways. The new rulers of the city. A city of rats. It was funny I thought to myself how I have walked more through these streets now then before the outbreak. I sighed a bit as I missed the comfort of my old lab chair. The wind took a sudden turn and the smell of decay ran into my nostrils. I looked towards the source to find bench near the street of what must of been a bus stop. The bench was rusted from the rain pounding on it for so long with only one occupant left to keep it company now. I walked over and inspected the corpse. The rats, birds, and insects have already had their share of the body as all that was left was bones, ragged clothes, and a few chunks of decaying flesh clinging to the bones. The smell was one that that revolted me but was also one that I have grown use to now. I bent down and moved my hands through the corpse's pockets to see what I could find, after all he wouldn't need it anymore. In them I found a gum wrapper, keys, a loose penny, and a wallet. I quickly stored away the keys and the penny in my bag since I though they could make for a good metal component perhaps. I pulled out my leather general and marked them down accordingly.


Inside the wallet I found a picture of his face on his driver's license. Such a waste of young life I thought looking at the young smiling face, but rats need their food. Searching through the wallet I grabbed a few more coins just in case making them down and threw the wallet to the side. I stood up with a grunt as I felt my back muscles tense up from miles of walking. I grabbed the corpse by its ragged clothes and yanked him off the chair onto the street. I sat down as the bench wobbled a little from lack of use. I looked up at the sky smeared with grey streaks from smoke and purple from the clouds. I wondered if I woul have to hunt a few more rats again to eat. I knew I had to get up quickly before I fell asleep which could get me killed very easily if someone sees me.


Before I did I stared at the sky a bit more when it started to turn a shade red suddenly. Needless to say this shocked me. I jumped up and looked up towards the source. Over the head of a decayed building a ball of red light rose shortly and died out like a falling angle. I was baffled as to why someone would shoot a flare for all to see. Either an idiot or a group of bandits I thought. I was going walk away from where the light had rose but I thought differently of it. If it is just a single idiot I could gain something I thought. If it turned out to be bandits I could simply sneak away. I rubbed my sore back and stated my trek down the dead road.


By the time I reached the general location the sky was almost completely consumed in darkness and crickets chipped away. At the end of the decayed road sat a large stone building that had yet to be taken back by nature as a whole. I rubbed my chin wondering if I got lost at all. I looked around slowly taking up the details when I saw her. If I didn't take my time to look I would have missed it. She was covered in dust from the streets, practically camouflaged on the stone pavement and the mist of the night. I felt my heart jump a bit. If I missed her sitting there I could of gotten myself killed. From my side pocket I pulled out a small revolver and crouched to camouflage myself as well. My mind ran through ideas. Is she a lone fool or with a group acting as bait I wondered. Eventually I settled on the idea of sneaking in close through the brush and aiming the gun towards her head. I whispered softy "Don't scream or else."

 

[Glasswing]

Sinikka limped through the streets without any mind for being stealthy or covert. The very ability to walk was becoming very difficult, in fact, as her leg had begun to lock up as the Sun was going down, taking it's warmth with it. For the most part, her suit has served as a good way to keep herself somewhat warm with moderate protection from the wind, however her face a hands didn't receive anywhere near such protection. They had been incessantly bitten by the frigid and relentless ocean winds. In her right hand, she carried a briefcase. The contents did not include anything particularly noteworthy, and such things were in few numbers; such things included food morsels, a journal, a small blanket, and a few odds and ends.


Sinikka's eyes swept from left to right and left again many times over. She was scanning for anything that would be suitable for a temporary shelter. At this juncture, she was mostly concerned with a shelter that could supply her with two things: warmth, and safety. Anything else was optional, but preferred for the time being. Every now and again Sinikka mumbled under her breath. She barely put any effort into moving her mouth; it was unintelligible. She was criticizing each potential she found. It was not long before she deemed that her search would not turn up any good results in the city.


"Perhaps I can find a suitable shelter closer to the water. Buildings tend to be smaller and packed closer." Sinikka said aloud. She had not taken this thought into account earlier.


As the Sun crossed the horizon, Sinikka was making her way toward the coastline. As she was limping down the street, her left leg spontaneously, and painfully, locked up. Sinikka continued onward, but she hobbled at a much slower pace compared to a few seconds ago. As well as with her decreased pace, her standards for shelter drastically dropped. It wasn't long until she had found shelter that fit her new found standards. It was a small souvenir shop filled with a variety of odds and ends. There was little these things could do for her, though. In fact, it had very little going for it in terms of survivability, though it only had one window and the floor was carpeted. Sinikka attempted to pull open the door, but it would not budge in the slightest. Perhaps she just wasn't pulling hard enough. She took a deep breath and pulled as hard as she could. The door slid not even a millimeter. It had stopped suddenly with a slight knock. The deadbolt had been locked. She sat against the door, popped open her briefcase and removed from it, a small blanket. She draped the blanket over her shoulders attempting to keep warm.





"I hate my life." Sinikka groaned. With that, she spotted a bright red glow off in the distance. It was unmistakable, a signal flare. A signal flare means people. A group of people certainly means some form of civilization, right? It was not far. In fact, it seemed quite close.


Growing exhausted, Sinikka pressed on, blanket draped over her shoulders and briefcase in hand. Eventually, Sinikka happened upon a long dilapidated. She could hardly make out the image. It looked like there was a a building at the end of the road. She advanced. Into view, she could now see what appeared to be a lone woman. Sinikka waved and shouted, "Hello! Was there perhaps a flare fire from this general area?" The ambient darkness coupled with her poor sight, Sinikka was unaware of the man with the gun.

 

[Ashe Star]

A makeshift wind chime made up of several metal scraps and a rusted bucket clanked together in the distance as the wind softly blew. Ashley opened her eyes slightly as the ocean wind kissed her dirt covered cheek. It was still daylight and it was getting dark soon. Slowly she leaned up from the wooden floor which creaked quietly as the old boards groaned with the unwelcome shifting weight. The window was open in the small one room building near the ocean in which she slept. The damp room was dark with no lights and had a few small crates partially filled with random supplies that could maybe last a day. She moved the blanket in somewhat good condition to her side as she looked around. A man lied asleep wheezing faintly on the opposite side of the floor, covered in a large blanket and bandages around his chest and face. Standing up she walked towards him, examining his condition while standing above him. He was in severe condition and wouldn't last through the night.


Ashley was recently within the last couple weeks added to a group of a four other people, including the injured man. Although to say she was in the group was a lie, it was more like she was a captive healer of a group of looters. Although she has never witnessed them kill anyone, they made it blatantly obvious that they did what was needed to put food on the table. While they went and scavenged supplies, she would mend the wounds as they returned. She crossed paths with them while hiding from the infected one night. The group would have simply killed her and stole her medical supplies if she had not mentioned she was a doctor. Being merely another tool for them to steal and use as needed in order to keep them healthy while stealing from others. Basically a slave to these monsters, Ashley really had no other choice. She was a slave given food, water, shelter, protection, and left alone unless needed for her medical skills. Which was a lot better then being alone in the infected city.


Although her time of being left alone by these bandits may be coming to an unpleasant ending. She walked over to the window that was left open to generate a nice cool breeze. The man injured was brother to the leader of this small group and he made it quite clear that if he did not live, neither would she. As the injured man's time was slowly running to and end, she contemplated her options as she stared out to the evening sky. She needed to get out and try to find shelter somewhere else. However Ashley was not much of a survivalist and wouldn't last long alone.


And that is when it happened, a thin streak of red fire slowly arose to the sky and gave a small burst of red light. It was a signal flare, possibly someone else who could help. Quickly she glanced outside around the small storage building noticing the other three looters were not around. It appeared to be the other three had not returned from scavenging yet. Usually one of them stayed back to guard the supplies and keep her from running off, however being a man down must have changed the situation at hand. If she was going to try and escape, now was her chance. Quickly she moved toward the corner of the room and grabbed what was left of her medical supplies throwing them into a dark blue duffle bag. Looking over she grabbed a few energy bars and bottles of water out of a supply crate that the looters had previously collected the night before.


The man next to her let out a groan of pain as he struggled to breath. Quietly she zipped the duffle bag up as she stared at him in fear, watching as if he could miraculously wake up and stop her from leaving in his current state of health. She moved to the door and exited quietly while keeping an eye on the man struggling to rest. Ashley quietly shut the door and glanced around the exterior of the building for any others who could potentially stop her. Still no one around. She ran off and sprinted towards another small building with a large bush in to the side of it in the distance as her heart pounded in fear. She was to afraid to look back for she might see them chasing her across the large parking lot. Making it to the building in the distance Ashley hid behind the brush while breathing hard and quickly glanced back to see if anyone was following. Looking around and watching for any movement while waiting to catch her breath. She let out a small sigh as she noticed no one around . Turning around looking to the sky where she noticed the flare. It was time to head towards it, cautiously. It was getting to close to dark to be out alone, but she had no other choice. Ashley stood up and began walking towards the general location of the flare which didn't seem to far of a walk.


As she walked cautiously towards her destination she heard a shout from what sounded like another woman. It was very close, but with everything going on in her mind she wasn't paying enough attention to make out what was said. Quickly she moved to the edge of a building as she looked around the corner to scout for anyone nearby. Not to far from her location she noticed someone. In the coming night time darkness Ashley could barely make visible an individual with a blanket draped over her and appeared to be waving at someone. However, to many obstructions were in the way and it was to dark to see much detail or who she was waving at. Ashley was to paranoid of looters and bandits to initiate a conversation, so she waited patiently watching her to see who she was trying to contact.

 

[Gabe]

"Aloe Vera, yarrow. Cut them, smash them. Apply some water, put it in a bandage." Chris was repeating his 'healing mantra', series of procedures that helped him remember what to do when he got hurt. Although he remembered what to do exactly, this small mantra reminded him to keep alive. Reminded him to keep walking.


It was some time since the start. Chris don't remember much about it, he saw something about a new virus on TV, but nothing out of the usual. Then at one night, he heard a crash in his house. He jolted awake, grabbing a baseball bad he kept near his room and trudged towards downstairs. He saw some fire outside, what it looked like a car engulfed in flames on the other side of the street. He heard a scream nearby, which snapped him from his half-asleep state. Holding the bat more firmly, he crept upon the living room, when he saw a figure walking around, limping. He hesitated for a minute, only hearing his breath, when he decided to strike. He gave a solid bash to the intruder's head, hoping to knock him out and then figure it out what to do. The trespasser gave a faint moan before slumping to the ground. The fire outside was faint, but gave enough light to show Chris the blood that was leaking from the body. His face became pale and he dropped the now bloody bat. He rushed to the light switch, and turned the room light on. He was terrified, he just killed a man in his house, he's gonna get arrested! When he turned warily to the body on the floor, with his lights on, he screamed. The body was human, yes, but if it wasn't for the arms and feet, he couldn't recognize. The skin was yellow, with some patches in living flesh. He had no hair, and had this glassed look on his face. By impulse, he turned his TV on, just to see the PSA about it. The virus he heard the other day, it was an epidemic. Everyone should report to the CDC outposts around towns, and stay away from the infected, because they were prone to violence. That and the infecting bite. Just when it ended, he saw more sick people on the streets. Looking at his house. Listening to the TV. Chris was overwhelmed with a sense of dread, and started to run. He grabbed his backpack and put whatever clothes he could find. he then jumped out of the window, bruising his already scarred arm, and ran to the store, that was next door. Grabbing a tent bag, some tools and two kukris, he went to the back of the store, just to see the monsters gathering up.


It was a group of five or sis, already with his sights fixed on Chris. He stepped back and the infected rushed in. He fought with some of them, but a lot of them were on the streets, waiting. He grabbed two cans of lighter fluid, poured the contents on the floor and ignited, with tears falling from his eyes. The only reminder of his family, the last thing he had, would be also consumed by fire. But he had to escape, and the fire would provide distraction to the infected people around it.


That happened 5 years ago. About 100 km away from there, he finished the bandages and went along the coastline, hoping to find something to eat. Times were tough, and he longed for some meat, one that wasn't rotten or being eaten by rabid animals. He walked along, feeling the cold breeze and the salty taste the air had, when he saw a flare, popping on a distant building. Survivors! Chris rushed there, running to what seemed like the first time he ran from the infected, running to a possible salvation. He reached the place, a big university, well conserved for the time it was abandoned. Chris trudged along, with his kukri in hand. He heard a woman voice, screaming "Hello! Was there perhaps a flare fire from this general area?" and stopped for a while. Letting his eyes get used to the dim light, he recognized two forms, a man on a white coat and a girl. The man was pointing a small handgun on the girl's head. Fucking poachers... he thought, rushing silently to the man in white. He went to his side and placed the large knife in the man's neck, screaming "Drop your weapon! NOW!"

 

[kira blackthorn]

Mika whistled a small tune as he exited the apartment building he had just raided, his bag full of new materials just waiting to be used. Tossing a small metal ball he had found in the air he caught it as he walked threw the streets doing his best to ignore the smell of trash and decay. This town might have been beautiful Once but now it was left for the rats who ruled it.


It was sort of sad.


As he walked he payed no attention to others that may be near. He had booby trapped this street and unless one knew the way around the traps they wouldn't be getting to him. His steps faltered and the ball fell to they ground as a sight in the sky caught his eye. He stopped whistling as he examined the red flare the didn't come very far from where he stood. Someone either wants to be found or is unbelievably stupid.


Deciding on a split decision to check out the flare in the hopes that there will be friendlies on the other end he left the safety of his street slipping the ball in his pocket. Arriving to the scene where the flare likely came from he dunked behind an abandoned car as he noticed the girl, the guy, and the gun along with another guy and a knife. Interesting. Peeking at them threw the car window he shouted loudly. "I am just going to assume that one of you shot off that flare."

 

[Ashmorne]

The events that unfolded after she set off the flair moved at a speed that almost surprised Lena. Almost. She was in the shadows, her hands at her knives. Through the murky darkness, an older man had brazenly and stupidly pointed a gun at her. She almost wanted to laugh. Maybe his whispered threat would have frightened her once upon a time, but she'd been on the road too long for it to have the same effect. She stood straighter, her arms crossed. Once flick of her knife, and he would drop the gun.


But she didn't move yet.


The question "you fucker, who the hell do you think you are?" were beginning to form on her tongue, but before they had escaped...a form of a man had grabbed the older gun-bearer. There was now a knife pressed to her would-be, makeshift attacker's neck.


In the shadows, Lena couldn't make out who the guy with the knife was. In the dim light, she couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something familiar about his movements.


"Hey, buddy. I would have been fine without your help," she snapped, internally wincing at the hurried annoyance of her words.


Suddenly, she heard a rustling. She could barely make out the forms of several other figures. Two women. One was calling out to them, and the other was trying to lurk in the shadows. Trying, and failing. How were these people so brazen? She set the flair in a moment of weakness, and maybe she shouldn't have. But brazen or not, these people were all survivors.


"Hello! Was there perhaps a flare fire from this general area?"





Lena snapped her head in that direction, opening her mouth to respond...when yet another voice called out to her. A man's voice.





"I am just going to assume that one of you shot off that flare."


Everyone was talking, lurking, trying to stab each other. The opposite of what needed to happen. She crossed her arms, and spoke in quietly. It was almost a hiss. The stress of so many people all of a sudden pricked at her.





"Keep your fucking voices down. Please. Do you want to attract Infected? I set it off. If everyone would just please put your fucking weapons away, I could explain to you what I found. Have any of you heard of the rumor of that abandoned safe house? The one that's too good to be true?" she paused to look around, brows furrowed. "Because I think this is it."





The colossal building hulked like a monster behind them. If these people could cooperate, if they could talk...maybe they could all agree to explore inside. But some semblance of trust was needed for that, and survivors were not known for that.

 

[Gabe]

"I'll drop my weapon as soon as this one drop... Wait..." Chris fixated his eyes on the girl in front of him. He stopped for a few seconds, and then lowered his kukri. "Ali... Oli... Eli! Eliana! You're Eliana Pax! Oh my God, I remember you! It was about... 5 months ago, in Northbury! What are the odds! Remember me? I helped you with your leg and you gave me some beef jerky!" He holstered the kukri, ignoring the coat dude. "That jerky made me survive for two weeks, y'know. I didn't have the chance to thank you." He looked around, to see how much people were drawn to the flare. "That flare was really dangerous, y'know. Along with lab guy over here," he pointed at the man, "Who knows how many ill intention people saw that? Carelessness can cost your life." He gave a deep breath. "But aside of this, I'm so glad to see you in one piece! How did those months treated you?" Chris gave a smile at Eliana, hoping that she would remember him.


Chris remembers well how the two met. It was about 5 months ago, in Northbury, a town about 100 km away from the university. Chris was searching a store when he saw a wounded and tired Eliana. He helped her with her leg, and they shared stories of survival and travelling. They parted ways after a while, but what Eliana didn't know is that Chris was starving for two days prior to the encounter. She literally saved his life.

 

[ImaCreepYouOut]

Red sluggishly wandered the towns alleyways. The main roads were too open. The ally's took longer to get around, but he ran into much less trouble that way. His baseball bat rested on his shoulder as he walked, his hand gripping the warn cloth at the base. He walked silently along the dark ally, until he saw a ladder that lead up to a metal stairwell to the roof. He pulled the ladder down as silently as he could, but it still made a clatter noise when it his the concrete ground. He inspected the ladder before climbing up it. Once on the landing, he pulled the ladder up as if to hide where he went. He then climbed the four flights of stairs to the roof. Once up there, he looked around the brick building's flat roof, and took a deep breath.


He took a seat, facing the sun. He closed his eyes, and smiled. Even when times were as dark and hopeless as now, he could still find something positive to think about. He set his baseball bat next to him as he sat, and looked up at the passing sky.


That's when he saw it. The red flicker of a trail leading up into the sky, then the bright explosion in the air. He knew precisely what that was. It was a flare. He'd used one before. And flares are calls for help. He knew how to help. He sighed, and shook his head, "As soon as I decide to rest, someone uses the Bat signal." He stood up, and huddled down the metal stairs and climbed back into the alleyway. He started to run towards the direction of the flare, in hopes to get there in time to help.


It took him a while, but he arrived at the beautiful brick building, and stared for a moment, admiring the way the sun shone off of it. He then pushed open the gate, and stepped in, closing it again. He started to walk in, and then saw the group of people with weapons drawn at each other's throats, and topped walking, watching the scene. He never liked just walking into trouble. He'd much rather understand the situation first.

 

[Ashmorne]

At the sound of her given name, Lena blinked. She didn't give that out freely. Her mind traveled back to almost a half year ago, in a random city. Well, Northbury. She wasn't the type to remember town names. Cracking her knuckles, she remembered the man she had run into all those months ago.


Back then...he was thin, too thin. Lena remembered wondering if he had ever hunted before in his life. It was a gamble to hunt wild animals, as they could be infected as well. But Lena had learned to find the signs. A few days prior, she had managed to dry smoke her own deer jerky.


There was a wound on her leg, a hunting accident. It snaked around her calf, bloody and deep. She wouldn't have been able to stitch it on her own. This man had helped her patch it up with herbs, sew it up. And in return, she'd given him some of the jerky. He was the first non-hostile survivor she'd met in awhile. They'd talked about past few years, talked about tips. Even though they seemed to be around the same age, he had reminded her of her brother. Same mannerisms. Maybe that had been why she gave him her real name. She recalled getting up in the early morning, and moving on without him. But she appreciated the companionship of being able to talk to another person.


"Your name is Christopher, right? Yes. I remember you. My leg probably would've gotten infected if it weren't for you. Thanks again," she paused, warily regarding everyone around her. "I actually go by Lena here...and I know a flare might have been careless. Stupid on my part. But if this is what I think it is, this was the only way I had to alert the right people."


She thought about going into the city to find people alone. That was not her style. At least with the flair, she was able to wait for them to come to her. Hide in the shadows, and do what was necessary if there was anyone unsavory. Clearly, that hadn't worked. It ended up with a loon pointing a gun at her. But it was better than being in the city alone after dark. Crossing her arms, she looked at the mismatched group around her. In the distance, she thought she could make out another form coming closer.


Someone was coming in through the gates.


Great. More to the party.

 

[Venus]

Alexander moved through the Streets without a care, Humming slightly as his hand tapped at the Long metal pipe by his side. The City was desolate and empty as usual, the only consistent company he discovered where Rats and roaches that feasted on any Carrion or scraps they could find...He let out a soft sigh as his green eyes shifted slightly towards the sky as it began to reach Nightfall..Huh never really realized how beautiful sky could be , a soft smile forming on his face.


Well His attention towards the perpetual sky was quite quickly torn away as he noticed a flare shooting up in the sky like a Rocket with a beautiful Fluorescent red light that filled the very Skies, before suddenly falling and dissipating as if God had cast down an angel upon this Very day. Curiosity soon filled his mind as soon as he shook way the surprise and confusion of seeing the flare. "Who the hell would shoot something like that in a time like this.."


Hell If he knew but he would be staying the hell Out of that area, God knows how quickly that would attract the Bloody looters and bandits that seemed to follow like the very rats, Or worse the infected who swarmed seemed to love the idea of being in large infectious groups...He had already began to walk the opposite direction when thoughts bubbled in his head...No sane person would do that...What if..."Erugh Don't be an idiot.." he grumbled annoyed with himself, But he just couldn't help himself..


He soon found himself at the scene of Anarchy, Someone was shouting and holding a blade to another's throat while a female who seemed like she was as blind as a bat was casually chatting as if she was oblivious to the dangers of the world while another shouted about a flare going off a minute later..."Jesus Christ this is a massive cluster fuck of people..who don't seem to know of the concept of subtlety.." he mumbled to himself quietly as he observed oh and where was he located in this massive ball of anarchy why right on top of the wall and surprised none of them had immediately shot him in the face...He contemplated for a second on how he thought this was a good idea to enter in anyway..


Course the Girl in the Middle of all of this soon spoke out "Keep your fucking voices down. Please. Do you want to attract Infected? I set it off. If everyone would just please put your fucking weapons away, I could explain to you what I found. Have any of you heard of the rumor of that abandoned safe house? The one that's too good to be true?" well that definitely caught his attention, though quickly shook he his head and he examined this group..and wondering what the hell was going to happen now..

 

[Gabe]

Chris smiled again, and looked around. More people. This place was starting to get unsafe, and Chris was starting to get wary. The screaming didn't help either. The Compromised could be anywhere, and if they were near, it was only a matter of time until they swarmed the place. He went to the door of the place, and opened it quietly. Turning a flashlight on, he scouted the place around for a few seconds. "Everyone!" He said in a low tone, but loud enough for everyone near him to hear. "As long as I love the evening on the beach, this is starting to get unsafe. Let's all go inside, after all, we all need shelter for tonight. I believe we're on equal grounds here, so please, let's act civilized." Chris looked at the people around him and entered with caution, leaving the door open for anyone who wanted to enter.

 

[Ashmorne]

"Wait!" Lena hissed, calling after Chris. "There is a reason that this place is abandoned. We have to check for Infected. We need to be careful." she gestured to the group of people. "We all need to work together to sweep the area. A safe house might be too good to be true, but one that is totally empty is even more absurd."


As if on cue, Lena heard low screeches from within the safe house. The inhuman growl of Compromised.


"Well, fuck it. Get your knives out, army. Whether we want to work together or not, I'd rather be dead than Infected." she glanced at the gun-bearer. "And hey, Mr. Brightside. That gun is only going to attract more Compromised."


With that, she slipped her knives from their sheaths and began to move to the door. Stealth would be key, even if they'd already blown their cover with their noise. Lesson learned, she hoped.

 

[Venus]

Alex's eyes surveyed the Situation Carefully, Things were going to get ugly fast If the Compromised decided to stroll right in somewhat regretting his decision of coming here at first...It really was a massive Cluster fuck of chaos it Seemed..Though his attention was quickly grabbed by Chris as he spoke....


Huh He held a fair point , It was starting to get dark and with all the noise the Compromised would most likely be near the area by now and trying to find everyone..He sighed and jumped down from the wall deciding to join the group, and heard the Clear moans and grunts of the infected with in the building. "Well Isn't this a fun little introduction?.." He'd twirl the Long metal pile in his hand, Examining everyone.


It seemed this could be the most Rag-tag group that could ever exist..

 

[Glasswing]

As Sinikka drew closer, her eyes adjusted, now being able to see a variety of figures, all of which seem to be armed. She stopped and stood in absolute befuddlement. She began regretting her decision to get involved. There were people here, yes, but it was far from organized. "What..." Her voice trailed on, "What did I walk in on?" She was unsure of what to do. She watched a mixture of events slowly play out, from chaos to potential signs of order.


It had been evidently established that they would finally enter the building in question that stood before them, but the safety was put into question.


"I don't have much in the way of weaponry." She said outright, addressing Lena, "So, I'll hang back and help as good as I can." She didn't know precisely what kind of help this would entail, but so long as she didn't have to engage in battle.

 

[Gabe]

"Shit, too good to be true. Okay Lena, lead the way. You're way better at this stealth thing than me." Chris drew his two kukris off his back and waited for Lena to enter. "Okay, for what I know, they're keen on the hearing, so we all need to make silence. We need to find a map, those places always has some maps for visitors, maybe we can hatch a plan for cleanup with that in hand. Lab guy, cut that gun out, we don't need to attract every infected of this building. Suit girl, if you're not keen on combat, stay here for now, warn us if there's any more Compromised outside. Everyone who's able to fight, come with us, It's cleanup time."

 

[Ashmorne]

Lena turned to look at the woman who had spoken. She looked to be a little bit older than her. Reaching in her boot, she pulled out a slender blade. She made sure the sheath and safety were up, and tossed the knife to the other woman.


"I agree with Christopher. You can wait out here, but have this knife on you. Make sure there's no other Infected coming. Can you do that?" Lena didn't wait for an answer, or rather couldn't. The screeching was getting louder.


She nodded to Chris and ducked inside.


"Let's go."


She was greeted by a Compromised man.


His skin was yellow and flaking, especially on his face. Lena felt bile rising in her throat. The skin around his cheek had been scratched away, and she could see a bright piece of bone. He was so close, she could see the pinkish tint to his eyes. The stench of rotting skin was overwhelming. He began opening his mouth to screech again. Covering her mouth, she quickly dropped low and swept her leg around. It effectively knocked him on he ground. She then sunk her blade into his neck, dragging it through. Blackish, sludgy blood spilled out. He was dead before the next screech. Trying not to vomit, she closed his eyes and internally apologized to the Infected that had once been human. She would never get over the killing part.


Steeling herself, she stood. She was on high alert...where there was one Compromised, there would always be more.

 

[Newson]

Ben stared down the dust covered leather book laying on the ground in front of him. He never thought he could find one in a empty apartment in the deeper parts of the city. His fellow survivor, Ian, who he met on the road towards this city, looked at him confusingly as Ben picked up the book and held it like it was the cure to the virus.


"What's so special about a book?" Ian says, breaking the silence. Ben slowly blows away the dust and he holds in his hands the single most priceless book he has ever found on my travels. A first edition Shakespeare's "Hamlet". He has never read the book but he knows he will soon since he has found its holiness.


"Hold this, I need to search for more." He says, gently handing Hamlet to Ian as he searches for more artifacts. Ian carefully holds the book since Ben has shown so much love for it.


"Why are we searching for books and not food?" Ian asked, slowly examined the book.


"Because books are the life line of literature now in this society. No Kindles to read from." Ben tells Ian as he gives up on finding books. "Looks like no more priceless books, just phone books." Ben says in a pouting tone.


"I heard the phone book is a pretty good read!" Ian says as he hands Hamlet back to Ben. That's when suddenly a Compromised bursts through the windows of this third floor apartment, it latches onto Ian's leg and he screams out in pain. They both fall to the floor and suddenly the weak wood floor gives out and falls into the below level apartment which is full of Compromised. Ian's dying screams echo through the dense apartment complex as the Compromised chew at his bones and consume his flesh.


"Shit... He had good stuff in his bag. But I do have my books and ammo. He had most of the food though... Shit." Ben exclaims quietly. As more Compromised crawl in through the fire escape, Ben approaches another window, unlatches the lock and jumps straight out, grabbing onto another fire escape on an adjacent building. He narrowly escaped a horde of Compromised.


Ben looked out into the streets and notices no movement, just empty and rusted husks of cars. All of the Compromised seemed to be off the streets and in the buildings. Soon the moon began to rise and a glowing orange sky shone in the sky. Not only did the sky shine, but a single scarlet flare.

 

[TheMadIceCreamMan]

After whispering his threat to her he was tackled onto the ground by what he assumed was her goon and found a knife to his neck. He maintained his composure at his demand to release his gun, his only source of safety. He knew very well this may have been a trap but he assumed he would have had her as a hostage before this. Before he could think of what to to do he was tossed on the ground. With a thud his faced was caked with dirt. Grunting he got up to see more faces then he expected. He then knew they were all moths to a fire. He expected this but not so soon. As the guy who threw him said "Who knows how many ill intention people saw that? Carelessness can cost your life." he was going to take aim with his gun but thought better of it noticing that everyone was armed. The guy annoyed him but he couldn't allow emotions to be his unavailing, not now. In the mist of his thoughts it seemed he had taken charge wanting everyone to enter the building for clean up. "Who does he think he is..." he thought to himself. As the remainder of people seemed to follow suit he thought it best to stay back. He knew his aim was bad unless it was point blank. As the group slowly moved in he heard the sound of the corrupted. A sound to him that was one of interest and perhaps delight. The sound ended bristly as he heard the sound of bone breaking. Most were in the building bar the young lady who came from the gate. Just from looking at her he felt no threat. He thought and decided to follow with his gun in pocket but ready for the draw. If enough of them get injured or killed this could be promising to say the least. He went inside to be greeted by the smell of death yet again. It always follows. The structure seemed as intact as it did form outside with its stone walls seeming to still hold on to some forgotten pride. "What do they hold now?" he wondered. "I'll stay back and inspect the copse for materials." he remarked loudly. This was of course only apart of his plan. He had no intention of getting infected.

 

[Gabe]

Chris put his hand on his mouth to cover the gasp of surprise when he saw the Compromised man slump into the ground. He made a mental note to never piss off Lena. He looked around and nudged Lena to see. "3 o'clock, two of them. I'll take care, cover me." With a dash, he lodged the kukri of his left hand on the chest of the first one, while chopping the head off the monster. The cut went clean, part for the sharpness of the knife, and part of the state of the rotten flesh and bone. He gave a sidestep, taking the kukri off the chest of the first one, and gave an upward slash onto the second, making the monster fall off. He writhed for a second, making some wet gurgles, then stopped. "Yuck. Okay, let's move forward, I guess I saw some pillars over there." He pointed his knife to the larger part of the main hall. "Do you have a glowstick or something? If so, throw them ahead. Light the way."

 

[Glasswing]

Sinikka spun 90° to avoid the blade, allowing it to drop to the ground. She had not expected to have a knife thrown at her. "Okay. I'll be sure to do what I can." She mumbled to herself as she stepped over the pick the knife up off of the ground. The blade felt strange in her hand, she wasn't entirely sure as to how it should be held.


After a minute of standing awkwardly with a knife in hand, she approached the iron gate and shut it to mitigate the movement of any Compromised. She had little, or rather no method of locking it. She proceeded the latch it, hoping that Compromised didn't have enough mental capacity to operate a latch, and that the gate still had enough structural integrity to hold up against any Compromised after deteriorating near the ocean for several years. She casually returned to her post and sat with her back against the wall. She dropped her defenses, laying the knife to her right. She popped open her briefcase and removed some food. It wasn't much at all: just some crackers. She ate quietly, thinking and awaiting for the others to finish sweeping through the building, staring at the gate with intense focus, almost forgetting to even blink or breathe.

 

[kira blackthorn]

How did I wind up here? Mika wondered as he trailed behind the group. One minute he was hiding behind a car while checking out a flare and the next he was heading into a assumed safe house with people he didn't know to clear it of some compromised. Was he crazy or did he just blank out for a moment? Snorting he decided he didn't want to know as he inspected the place for compromised gun in hand.

 

[Princess Ktyria]

The wind ruffled her dark hair, sending it in wild directions as she ran through the streets, dodging cars and corpses along the way. Running was exhilarating. The rhythmical pounding of her shoes on the asphalt, the wind rushing around her, feeling as if it was creating a secure bubble around her, protecting her. It made her forget the dangers the new world caused. It made her less lonely which made her even happier than she already was. Carter soon stopped though, taking in the polluted air with a smile. It was perfect for her. The buildings rising high into the setting sunset. It was beautiful, gorgeous really. Carter to a longer breathe and then closed her eyes for a second before opening them again.


She then caught something out of the corner of her eye. A red flash and smoke was there. "Hm?" She asked, staring at it. She had just then noticed the sounds of the ocean brushing up against the rocks. "Wait, that means somebody launched it. That means there's a person!" She thought out loud, doing a small dance before taking off towards it. Adrenaline pumped through her body as she leapt over objects laying in the street. A person meant she wouldn't be lonely, which was all she ever wanted. To not be lonely.


She was quickly gaining to where she thought the flare was launched, which was close to the coast. When she got into view of the secluded building, she smiled. Tears of joy filled her eyes. "Yes. Yes, yes, yes, yes!" Carter yelled, charging towards it. The building look sturdy but messy, vines scaling the gate. Once Carter was close, she stopped. Her black cloak surrounded her as the tears of joy rolled down her face. She took off her hood and smiled even wider. Her face was covered with dirt and crusted with some blood from when she had to kill. That was when she saw her. A woman with short blonde hair and grey eyes. "Miss! Did you launch the flare?!" Carter asked blissfully.


The woman was the most beautiful person she had seen in forever. The last contact she had with another human being was a year ago, which felt like forever for Carter. "You are gorgeous." Carter thought out loud, emphasizing 'gorgeous'. Her face turned a bit pink after she said that. Carter seems to speak her mind often now. Carter felt giddy, so, so delighted. "Another human being. Not a clown." She laughed slightly and then regained herself, trying to hide her excitement but not doing a good job considering she was smiling like a maniac.


@CalamariHero

 

[Ashmorne]

Lena glanced over at Chris, nodding at him.


"I have something better than a glow stick."


She reached into her bag, and pulled out a metal cylindrical flashlight. This was the one she had been saving for a time like this. Switching it on and slightly thumping it with the heel of her hand, a small flood of hazy yellow light appeared. It lit up the way about two feet in front of them.


Shining it around, she saw that it illuminated a wide hardwood corridor. It was bigger than she expected it to be, the interior sprawling out in front of them. It was begging to be searched through.


Don't let yourself hope yet.


Inside, she was smiling widely. Outside, her lips barely quirked up. Looking at Chris, she jerked her head towards the hallway. She felt the adrenaline pump through her. This was so new.





"Let's clean it out of Infected. And do some exploring along the way,"

 

[Glasswing]

Sinikka was startled, and she reached for her knife. She swiftly swung the blade up, pointing it at Carter awkwardly. Sinikka hadn't processed a single word she had said, and she sat on the ground with the blade poised strangely for several seconds before establishing in her mind that Carter was not infected. Another second later Sinikka processed Carter's words. "I... Uh..." She didn't know what phrase to respond to first. "Firstly, thank you for the compliment. You, too, are very.. pretty." Sinikka attempted to reciprocate. In the past several years, she had limited human contact, like most, and did not quite understand how to properly reply to a compliment.


She paused for another second, "Secondly!" She shouted, with her voice then returning to a normal tone, "Don't startle me like that. I was focusing on that gate, and you came up all... excited. I almost stabbed you. Honestly, I doubt I want to stab you."


Sinikka pointed to the door next to her, "And to answer your question.,I did not fire any flare. The one who did is inside. She is with some rag-tag group, clearing out the place. I am not really much of a fighter." She picked up the knife, "This isn't even my knife. I don't know how to use it."





Sinikka let another quiet moment pass, and then held out a small box of crackers, "Want to help me keep a lookout for any of those compromised?"