Exitium

[Gojira21]

Prologue

Zach Williams, reflecting on the beginning hours of the destruction that had unfolded. Nothing prepared the world for what was to become the end of society…

I was told monsters did not exist…

My mother told me that only bad people live in this world…

She was wrong.

Death and screams were all that were heard on that first day; a day that signified the beginning of the end. Echoes of the dying filled the air creating a harmony of pain that was felt by everyone. Every where you went you could discover evidence of the carnage that had swept through this country. That first day of the ‘awakening’ (as it has been termed) was the most crucial for our survival, but our government failed as it has done so many times before. People ran and fled but to no avail. The ‘dead’ would always find them. The ‘dead’ were not your average description of dead. Almost the opposite; they were alive. Or at most, there physical bodies were gone but mentally they moved and worked together than anyone thought possible. The devil had awakened a new menace to society. One that seemed to have no end, the swarms of the hungry infected swabs of humanity forge fourth without much resistance. They are almost indestructible; one goes down, ten more take its place. How could a once proud nation collapse in a matter of hours? Where was our warning? The answer is easy: there was none. The angel of death, they say, works swiftly. Well on that ensuing day, that old biblical saying was proven correct, despite the lost of millions of innocent people. But when others fail on hope and pray for a quick end, some still thrive on the thought that God will not let this be the end. That this is only a challenge brought fourth from the almighty power above to test his creations. But no matter what people prefer to believe one thing is clear: we need to stick together to survive. After all, who else is going to help us on our hour of need besides each other?

[Gojira21]

Chp. 1

1991, outskirts of Rochester, VA

A strong, sickening smell filled the dark corridors. The smell was something so defining that most people would have not been able to tolerate. If one word could be used to describe the smell it would simply be “death”. That would have to be the worst smell anyone could possibly know, if it were possible. But the stench was not the only thing that was happening, the lights were sporadic. At times they would be off, at times they turn on, and sometimes they would just flicker randomly. It just added more to the ominous feel of this mysterious place. But all of this was lost on the new presence that entered into the mouth of madness. The look about two of the figures alone only enhanced the disturbing atmosphere of this whole building. The two figures themselves were humongous brutes of men. It almost seemed unnatural. What was stranger was the third person. The third unknowing presence was a small girl perhaps no more than 17 or 18 of age. Her whole demeanor seemed frail and innocent and yet she was being dragged down this corridor to the unknown by the harbingers of evil.

Down the corridor the three went passing by various doors that were marked off with the words “CAUTION” and “AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY.” But the one that seemed to have the most attention was the one labeled “TESTING AND RESEARCH: A” because a strange red glow was illuminating from between the cracks. The glow would pulsate it seemed with the beat of ones heart beat as the thud matched the intervals. Clearly this ‘institution’ is not for the faint of heart as its inner secrets become more revealed with each passing moment to the captured girl before her vision become blurry and passes out.

It felt like hours had passed by when she finally opened her eyes. Immediately her sense of sight was assaulted by a bright light. The source of the light was strange looking device that was dangled over head. Her whole minded swirled as an immense headache took over. The light didn’t help any. She tries to move her arms but they would not budge, something was holding them back. Groggily she tries to move her head and looks directly down at her arms and notices what was constricting her arms. Two, thick leather straps were strongly secured around her upper and forearm. As her sense of reality comes back, a fleeting panic breaks through her and she thrashes to release her arms. The attempt was futile as the straps did not budge; the same was true with her legs, fastily secured by another pair of leather straps. Panic again consumes her and her instance reaction was to fight and a soft pain is felt through her body. If started from her arm and traveled through chest. It was soothing in a way but also disturbing. Again she looks at her arm and notices a tube leading out of her forearm and disappearing into the darkness behind her. She thrashes again against her binds but it only proves to drain her energy. What is this? What’s going on pleaded her mind trying to make sense of things. Before she can try to do anything else she hears a voice. The voice sounded mysterious but yet emotionless. Quickly she searches for the sources of the voice only to discover its coming from a speaker set against the wall directly opposite the gigantic plexi-glassed window facing into the room.

“Now, now Kanna. We don’t want you to hurt yourself now do we?” soothes the voice, trying to imitated a parent figure.

Kanna? That my name? That thought confused her because the name doses not sound familiar but yet something in her signaled when it was said. She feels confusion and sadness come over her. Why…why don’t I remember my name? again she thought as her sense of what was real seemed to wash away in flood of emotions.
“The project is almost complete Kanna. You were the loveliest of choices.”

Kanna drops her head in defeat. The binds against her body were proving too much for her weak state, and the soothing pain is still coursing through her body. Her fiery red hair drops down over her face just in time to hide the tear that begins to form and drift down her young cheeks.

“You were so sweet, and willing. You have made us all proud. A new accomplishment was made today on your behalf…” continued the voice, “your parents would have been proud” said the voice in a mocking matter as his demeanor changed back to emotionless.

At the mention of her parents something inside Kanna snapped. A feeling of intense anger and determination replaced her sense as the soothing pain was absorbed into the fabrics of her DNA. In one violent thrust, Kanna looks up at the window as her eyes change color drastically. They glowed a dark, burnt orange color and almost seem to animate from out of her pupils.

Behind the window.

The man behind the voice felt pleased with himself and was turning back around to begin the last and final stage. But before he could continue a shout of alarm is heard from below and then the operator in the room beside gains his attention.

“Sir! Kanna’s vitals are sky rocketing through the roof!”

Immediately her turns back around in time to catch Kanna eyes glow fiercely and break her straps. A group of soldiers run up to Kanna and try to detain her as a nearby scientist fills a syringe with something. But if didn’t matter, Kanna flew the soldiers against the wall like rag dolls and she then screams up towards the window as a hue of red adorns her body.

“What the hell is going on!?” urgently yells the voice, “Someone detain her now!!”


Kanna feels power surge through her body that she has never felt before. It felt good; she finally was able to be in control for a change. She flexes her arms and legs to feel the supremacy of her new discovery. A smile slowly forms on her innocent face as she suddenly feels so calm. Kanna looks around at the inferior people scrambling away and almost laughs; oh you all will not be going anywhere! Thought Kanna with a hint of wickedness and then everything turned to darkness…

[Gojira21]

Chp 2.

Rochester, Va. Present Day Hollow’s Point


A frigid wind begins its descent through the fall air and produces an eerie sound that resonates through the forest. Leaves and branches come to life and sway in the fierce forces of Mother Nature. The persistent cold rockets through the atmosphere burning straight to the bone of any living thing around as the temperatures begin to change with the approaching season. Harvest time will arrive shortly as the trees begin their transformation to orange and red.

The thoughts of the cold and whether or not a single bullet will be fired today pass through Zach Williams mind as he bundles up closer in his thermal camouflaged jacket. The life of a hunter is hard at times like this. Sitting in the barren cold of a desolate forest surrounding the middle of a nowhere town seems like a stupid idea. One that Zach will never understand, as the hunter’s life is not his ideal of fun. In this day and age, not many 20 year olds would spend a single second doing this tedious task, but despite his mental protest and the shivering stubbornness of his body, he is here because of his father, Brian. The old widely veteran of the military is an avid hunter, and enjoys times like this. Sitting in the deep of the woods and waiting on the grazing deer is what Brian loves. He once told Zach that it is “at times like this that you can fully feel peaceful and at one with self.” At that thought, Zach can not help but laugh at his dad’s wisdom; he was a smart man and a damn good father.

A cloud of cold air escapes from Brian’s mouth as he refocuses his concentration on the wilderness before him. A quick jolt of his hand wakes him up more as the cold feels like it is alive, slowly crawling on his skin. Damn it is cold thought Brian, almost more so than usual. Although the sun is radiating fully down on to the forest, not much can be seen; darkness prevails throughout much of this woods from how close the trees are to each other. Some of the trees are so close that they have conjoined with each other as their limbs have intertwined creating a picture of wickedness; like the trees have some evil mentality to cause fright. That’s part of the reason why Brian always chooses this location: dark. It gives a hunter many ways to quietly wait and watch for the prey. One would think that deer would not travel this deep into the forest, but the deer of Rochester are an interesting breed. They like to travel to the darker regions in order to avoid detection. But Brian, with his 20 years plus of hunting, has learned the habits of the local deer and always returns to this exact spot. Over the years this knowledge has proved valuable as he has returned with some big prized deer. Anywhere from 8 points to 11 point bucks. Despite the seclusion of Hollow’s Point, Brian has not seen one single deer on this hunting expedition. This has proven odd as generally are bond to spot two to three deer in this location. Brian hunches further over their hideout and scan the horizon, and spots nothing but shadows and deceiving trees. An irritated sigh comes from Brian as this trip is starting to feel useless.

A few more minutes passed by and Brian was about to call it quits when he notices something. Just a few yards ahead of him something moves through the brush, a figure outlines the shadows. Finally, a damn deer thought Brian as he slowly brings up his rifle and nudges Zach in the ribs. Upon feeling the nudge, Zach drifts back to reality from sleep and looks sheepishly at his father.

“Deer” whispered Brian as he never takes his eyes off the forest. A feeling of some excitement finally takes hold of Zach and he raises his own rifle and peers through his sights. But when he looks into the dark of the forest at the shape something about it did not seem right. The shape seemed mal-formed for that of a deer; it was too upright, almost bi-pedal like.

Brian notices this too and feels a naught form in his stomach. Something about this whole situation felt wrong.

“Dad that is not a deer” says Zach, lowering his rifle and looking at his father.

Then the figure comes stumbling through the brush and into the little bit of sunlight that pierces the canopy. The mystique was answered and it was a person. The new arrival follows to the ground with a thud but slowly manages to get back on its feet. Although it was up right, the man kept swaggering back an fourth.

“He looks drunk” answered Brian, “Hey! You alright?” yelled Brian towards the man.

For a moment the man didn’t respond, only kept wobbling side to side. But then a slight noise is heard. What sounded like a moan escapes from the solemn figure. When Zach hears that an alarm signaled off in his head, something did not feel right with this.

“Dad, something is not right about this.” Anxiously replied Zach, face full of concentration.

“I know, but he only looks drunk” responded Brian as he gets up and slowly walks over to the figure.

The cold air felt like it had came alive as a crisp feeling was felt only to be mixed with another moan from the deranged looking figure. Zach felt tense fill his nerves as just something did not feel right. The way the figure walked seemed not natural; too wobbly for a drunk. The movement was too sporadic. As the figure moved closer, Zach noticed a strange smell. It filled the air fast and furiously and almost made him puke.

Brian slowly advances towards the staggering man and tries to get a clear look at him. The figure was in shambles as the clothes appeared ripped and was stained with something. This confused Brian was this man attacked? The idea was not that far fetched Bears have been known to attack people in this region, but yet that idea didn’t agree with Brian’s gut feeling.

“Mister, you alright? Where you attacked?” asked Brian.

He leans closer to the man trying to get a good look at his face, but he was hunched over casting the face in shadow. Then with a collective awareness, the man slings his head up and stares at Brian. Two, glazed mindless eyes stare back at him and Brian felt as if the air was knocked right out of him. Years of military training and attitude melted away at the sight of the man. The face of the man was bloody and gashed. A large section of flesh was missing around the jaw, and the mandible was clearly exposed. A small strand of saliva dripped precariously off his jaw. Jesus! Thought Brian just as the man lunches at him.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still at what just transpired. One moment everything was fine and his dad was under control, the next he was screaming as the man was latched onto him; mauling away at his neck. Zach felt paralyzed for a second, unable to do anything. But the screams of his father penetrated his cold numbness and he springs into action. He runs over to the estranged two and shoves away the ‘crazed’ man.

“Dad, you alright!” yells Zach, clutching his dad as he tries to cover his bite wound.

“Jesus Christ, he bit me! He bit me!” cried his dad feeling panicked. But then the ‘crazed’ man lunches again but Zach was able to drag his dad out of the way and slams the butt of his rifle into the chest, knocking him down. On the fall, the man’s leg buckles and a bone snaps through with a sickening noise. Despite the wound, the man continued on and moaned louder; dragging his body now across the frozen ground.

“What the hell?!” stammered Zach seeing the man still coming even after was severely wounded. But he ignores him, as his dad needs the immediate attention.

“Come on dad, we need to get you to a hospital.” Says Zach and guides his dad back down the trail to civilization, which proves to be the wrong decision. Another cold breeze blows through Hollow’s Point as the wail of the ‘crazed’ man echoes over and over.

[Gojira21]

Chp 3.


Rochester University, Apartment A


A soft furry of noises manifest from the small, cozy apartment as a TV blares the local news, whether or not anyone was paying attention. Most of the room was blanket in shadows, as that how the occupant of the room likes it: dark, or perhaps just too lazy to reach out for the switch and turn it on. The apartment room itself was furnished with the ordinary luxuries one would find: couch, a hallway leading to the smaller compartments (bathroom, bedroom, e.t.c). Overall the room was an ideal spot for the college students of Rochester University as only seniors are allowed access to them. These are considered the more “standard, modernized” rooms compared to the average dorms, although one can not really tell the difference.

A slight moan escapes from a corner of the room where another light is eagerly flashing away into the darkness. Someone sits idly by slouched over a computer screen, furiously typing away at the keyboard. The whole figure thought process was consumed by the computer as the title of the document on the computer gives it all away: LIFE OF TOHOKINGDOM SEASON 20. Instead of working on the thesis that all seniors are required to have completed, this person rather focus on a fictional story. This is so the life of Alex Williams; working more on the joys of life than the important matters at hand. To Alex he is living the fun life as college student so ‘why not have some fun?’ was his motto that he tells his fellow classmates and friends. But Alex is constantly on the computer writing his stories as he rarely gets time to go out and about. Suffice to say, Alex has completed many works of fiction, just none related to his college live. Alex finally, in what seemed like hours, sits back in his comfy lazy boy computer chair and stretches his arms. A slight yawn escapes from him catching him off guard. Alex did not realize how tired he was as he feels the beings of sleep creep through his eyes and body. Tiredness is like a virus it spreads fast through ones body and conscience until one passes out which has happened to Alex on many occasions. Most often during class as he had one too many late nights on the computer or playing Skyrim. Alex on shakes his head at his restless mind and steals a peak at the clock damn it’s already 10 o’clock? He didn’t realize how long he has been mindlessly typing at this annoying machine. ‘Time passes by fast when having fun’ as the saying goes and Alex has had, to an extent, fun working on his story during this fall break.

Alex pulls his attention away from the monitor and looks at the 30 inch HD TV as the news repeats its previous broadcast. Apparently something happened today in the local town, not unusual thought Alex as there is always something going on in Rochester. On the news report a young reports comes on the screen reporting the news, but Alex half pays attention to it.

Early today an accident happened out a Hollow’s Point. Two men where out on a hunting trip in that region, when one of the two members was strangely attacked and left wit bite marks on his neck and shoulder. The victim was admitted to the hospital this afternoon and is stable condition…

A chuckles escapes from Alex as people know Hollow’s Point is a dangerous place to go. With all the ‘supposed’ military testing going on there back in the 90’s the place has become something of an enigma for the community. But before Alex could return his attention back to his precious writings the end of the report caught attention as it was said the bites were ‘human quality’ impressions. What? Processed Alex’s mind as his attention was drawn back to the TV. For a moment it felt like he was hypnotized by the report when the door in his room burst open and his roommate comes dragging in.

“heeyyy” slurred his roommate Mark, clearly drunk. Alex sighs as he realizes it be another long night with his stupid roommate. Mark walks into the room and almost trips over his own feet “who…put that damn thing there” blurted Mark even though nothing was there. Moron thought Alex returning his attention to the computer.

A few minutes passed when a noise is heard from the neighboring room. For a moment it went unheard to Alex, but then he eventually notices it. He cocks his head to one side to try and hear it better but hears nothing. He just shrugs it off as nothing and goes back to work. Again, though, the noise is heard this a little bit louder. This time Mark, a little bit more sober, comes out of his room hearing the noise the also.

“What the skreeonk was that?” he said half slurred and half asleep.

Alex just shrugs his shoulders and looks at across the room at the wall separating them with the neighboring apartment room “It was probably nothing” he said trying to make Mark relaxed as he knows he can easily get tempered.

Mark gives him a look of stupidity “B/s you heard that noise too. I’m going over their!” Next thing Alex knew, Mark was already out the front door and heading to the next room. Alex cursed under his breath and fled after him. By the time Alex got out the door, Mark had already started a barrage of heated knocks on the door.

“Mark, come on man it was probably nothing! Let’s not cause any problems here” yells out Alex.

Mark ignores his roommates protest and continues knocking, but is not answered by anything from the other side “I know your in there, I can hear you!” But still no-one attempts to answer the door, and Alex knows this could dwindle out of control if he can’t get a control of Mark. He walks up to him to try and bring him back to the room when Mark tries to the door handle. For a moment Alex thought that was dumb as it would surely be locked, but to his surprise and that of Mark, the door opens up immediately. Both of them stand there dumbfounded, Mark staring at Alex and vice-versa. From inside the room itself nothing could be seen as the lights were off. Alex could barely make out the outlines of the kitchen table and the couch but that was about it.

“Can’t see shit…” quietly says Mark as he pulls out his phone and uses its flashlight app and shines it into the darken abyss. Alex almost just wants to go back into his room and hide for something about this feels wrong, a knot in his stomach builds and expands. It didn’t help either that Mark advanced into the room, apparently his rationally judgment was still overshadowed by the alcohol.

“Mark, hey Mark you can’t go in there!” replies Alex with little bit of panic in his voice. But Mark ignores him and disappears into the room where the unknown awaits.

Hesitantly, Mark slowly enters into the room. Although he can feel the drunkenness still lingering in his veins, he is fully aware of his surroundings now. Adrenaline is kicking through his body as is a little of skepticism, as he begins to wonder why he entered. Damn you Mark and your bravo-ism screamed his mind as he tries to make sense of what is going on. He knows he heard some strange noises from here, but yet it seems as if no-one is here. Confused, Mark shines his phone through the room and notices the room has been rummaged through. Paper lay ever where, one of the wooden chairs that comes with the room is broken. One would have thought a freaking tornado has just done a number in this room.

“What the hell?” asked Mark to no-one in particular. A feeling of dread starts to invade his body and replace his adrenaline. He is clearly not liking the looks of this current situation. Something catches his attention from the light and he looks at the walls. He again shines the light on them and sees something covering them. What it is he can not clearly tell and he moves closer wishing the light was stronger. Finally he reaches the wall and shines the light again and touches the wall. Upon looking at his fingers from what he touched his face drains of color and he almost stumbles from back up so fast. Blood, what the hell! Blood!? Was all that ran through his mind as he hurriedly runs out of the room and into the light of the hall.

Alex sees Mark come to the door and almost collides into him, a look of panic is across his face. Alex grabs him by the shoulders to steady him “Mark, what’s wrong dude?” For a moment Mark could not talk, he was breathing fast clearly something had spooked him but Alex could not even guess what.

“Bloo..Blood, man! Blood!” screams Mark. Confusion crosses Alex face and he stares at Mark, but before he could even ask anything Mark’s body collapses to the floor with a loud thud and is dragged backwards. For a moment Alex could not respond or even move, it all happened so fast. His body felt like cement it would not budge, but the screams of Mark brought him out of it and he reaches down to grab Mark.

“skreeonk, shit man! Grab me, please!” yells Mark as he continues yelling out random obscurity. Alex grabs a hold of his wrist and tries to pull him back but before he even can Mark is violently dragged back into the room as the darkness consumes the last images of his body. All that remains are his bloody gurgling screams that echo through the whole apartment. Then to the horror of Alex, he swears he hears another scream come not to far away as it sounds like all hell has started to break lose.

[Gojira21]

Chp 4.

Part 1


Outskirts of Rochester, Va. 3 weeks after outbreak.

The first dark wisps of storm clouds began to materialize and take shape as Mother Nature deemed it necessary to unleash a storm. Like a beast wakening up, thunder roared through the sky signaling its magnificent dominance that could not be denied. The echo from the boisterous sound ringed through the ears of Sergeant Kiko Terpovski as he stares through the plaxi window. All he saw before him was gray shadows that are beckoning from the sun; not much of a sight for a person to look out into. But that didn’t matter to Kiko, he just wanted to sub due is troubled mind. Every assignment his team and him have been on his mind can’t help but wander on the possible negative connotations that could surface. Ever since the disaster at Delta Bronco he can never stop being paranoid over the “what ifs” of any given military operation no matter how minor it can be. Kiko tightens his fist around his modified M4-Carbine with precision scope and focuses on other matters. As the chopper continues its treacherous path to their destination, Kiko steals a glance around at the men assembled. Most of the men that he has been surrounded with are fresh, new faces; mainly mercenaries that were dragged up out of the farthest reaches of the world (or so they said). Only 3 members of the nine men assembled unit are familiar to him. Although, their Captain, Roxon Jones, is vaguely familiar to him as he has only been their commanding officer since Delta Bronco. Roxon Jones was a brute of a man, as his posture was dominating by itself without the imitating aurora of authority that he ushers. Some say his ferocity matches that of his wits; smart and strong, which was utterly on display at Delta Bronco. Thanks to this man, probably no-one would have survived…The other two members are Henry M.E.C.H.A.M.I.N and Theo Zong. Why Henry’s last name is spelled like an acronym no-one knows. Most believe its just a typo that was typed in on his boot camp training back at Fort Trauner, but it just possible that his family were a group of strange, individuals. That is usually the route Henry likes to run with. Theo Zong is the second in command as Staff Sergeant under Kiko, and third in ranking behind the Captain. Basically meaning Kiko uses his services to reprimand and take care of the ‘new’ comers of the unit, while Kiko deals with the more important matters. Not to mention Theo is Kiko’s best friend. (Updated) Theo can be an aggressive person when things go awkward, and are defiant to the end. One of the things that attracted Kiko to Theo; the complete opposite of him almost. Either way, Kiko is damn glad to have him on the squad.


Theo stretches for a moment to sooth his strained body. The transport was small compared to some of the newer models and made comfortable enjoyment impossible. A slight yawn escapes from him as he glances Henry out of the corner of his eye. He was just across from him on the sitting benches, completely oblivious to anyone else. Henry was twirling a knife between his thumb and the fingernail. It’s been said that Henry had an obsession with knifes, and this only strengths that belief. Seeing this raises Theo’s brow as he already can’t stand the creepy skreeonk. Although it was strange, Henry has developed reputation as being the best knife wielder on this side of the Mississippi, or even the world for that matter. But for boredom sakes, Theo makes the mistake of talking…even if it was in the name of comedic relief.

“Why don’t you put that away, before you hurt yourself” said Theo with the hint of sarcasm in his voice.

Before Theo could even blink, Henry had already moved across the narrow sitting alley with cat-like reflexes and has him pinned up against the metal bulk of the transporter. His knife was also firmly planted against his throat, a hint of blood started to trail.

“Jesus Christ man!” says Theo barely able to breath.

Henry just stares at him with a weird maniacal look in his eyes and a slight laugh that left a feeling of dread in the air “You know it would be so easy to slide this across your jugular”

Theo stares back with wide eyes as he feels the cold, unforgiving metal of the blade pressed against his neck. Then he shakes off that moment of weakness and regains his composure, quickly calculating the best way to proceed.

“Man, move the damn knife before you regret this decision” breaths Theo, trying to remain calm.

Henry just laughs again and stares back with amusement and holds tighter.

“Oh what you going to do Theo? Flex those muscles of yours and try to out power me?” laughs Henry, clearly enjoying “I’m curious just to as what you would do. Humor me!”

“I’ll…” before Theo could even finish a thick hand Jaxon comes between the two and Henry is sent flying back down into his seat and gives a scowled look at Theo.

“Alright you two lugheads, knock of the bullshit we have a mission to concentrate on.” says Jaxon quietly but with authority, “You two can continue this on your own time, right know your on MY time!”

“With pleasure, Cap” mockingly says Henry, still smiling at Theo who just stares bullets back at him and winks.

Jaxon sighs, and shakes his head. He turns around back to Kiko and sits down “Quit a lovely group we have, eh Kiko?”

Still lost in though, Kiko just nods his head and makes a subtle grunt, then over the intercom a voice awakens and brings everyone to attention.

ETA of arrival in 10 minutes!

Jaxon nods his head and stands back up and faces the assembled squad “Alright men, grabs your balls, grab your guns! I want full suit up and weapons check in half that time!”
And among the thralls of weapons being checked, Jaxon sits back down with a look of self-accomplishment printed across his face.

Kiko can only hope this works as much as his Captain already believes, but yet that dreaded feeling still eats away at his stomach just as a flash of lighting rockets across the sky once again.

[Gojira21]

Chp 4 Part 2
The transport slowly begins its decent to the squad’s final destination. Wind and rain pound away at the hull like a determined monster as the ship touch’s down with a loud uff. Debris and a gust of air blow up and around the ship as it locks its gears in place and prepares for the release of the crew. Quietly, a section of the hull rises with a small hiss of steam and a ramp materializes from underneath the ship and descents to the cold, dark ground. Inside the craft, Captain Jaxon stands once again before the impressive looking squad and feels the appreciation towards the Corp as tehy were able to put together a fine assemble of men and equipment.

“Alright Gentlemen, mission debriefing! We are to proceed to Destination A or for you more to the point wise asses, The Miriam Hospital.” Briefs Jaxon, “Our satellites show that survivors are hold up in the core of the building, and there safety is classified as ‘manitory’ rescue and support!”

Some people look around with little confusion with the basic question going around with out a verbal response, why the hell are survivors deemed manitory? But no one knows the reason why, and decides to not ask the Cap.

“Remember use your ventilators, don’t want any unfortunate accidents.” Quickly adds Jaxon “So move out, oorah?!” screams the Captain.

A collective oorah emits from the group and they begin to systematically exit the transport and begin maneuvers.


As the squad ventures into the city, the rain is intensified and pounds away at the men and their gear. The effects of the rain mixed with occasion wind makes visibility a difficult task. Everything gets cast into a bleary, water distorted image that would remind you of a water pastel painting. Kiko hears the faint echo of someone cursing through the open com link that patched in their suits; apparently that individual was having a hard time. Kiko couldn’t help but chuckle a little, Must be a rook and remembers his first time trying to adjust to the factor of how rain can seriously screw up a mission. Another voice opens up on the com; it was Jaxon “Switch to your improvising view on your ventilators. This rain is making a mess out of things.” Once his voice drowned away, Kiko hit a switch on his wrist and the vision dramatically shifts. If becomes more focused; all the distorted images become erased and all that is visible is the surrounding environment. Kiko could never understand how this happened; how you can just obliterate a natural factor that is in progress like that. It’s one of the wonders to technology and Kiko chokes up another one for the ‘geeks back at base.

A faint smell of death hangs in the air like a cloud. One would swear that they could literally ‘see’ the smell because of the gloom look that is always brought during a storm. Plus, the wind doesn’t help either as the mindless force of nature whips around the smells around the city to where who ever is left is cowering in fear of the stench. This fear is regardless of the many things that have befallen the population of this town. A single rain drop manages to sneak past the cropping canopy and slithers just past the dark shades of Cesar LaRoux. It’s odd to see shades in the middle of this storm, especially with no sun, but that’s how Cesar likes it, chalks it up to being ‘sensitive’. But with a sigh, Cesar LaRoux slinks back under the metal canopy to keep dry from the rain with the thought of how lovely this town use to be. However the main reason why backed up was, after all, the suit. It was an expensive piece of clothing made of the finniest money could buy. With a smile, Cesar sheepishly looks down at his figure and smoothes out the straight black suit which is topped off with an elegant designed fedora (black also, of course) with a white strip at the top, Damn I look good as ever.

When he fixes his suit jacket, it brushes over his hidden joy (Not that you perverts) that are hidden just below his breast are two, gold eagle pistols, Bonnie and Clyde. The smile grows wider on Cesar’s face as he remembers his two ‘best’ friends; they are always the back up plan. When a situation becomes skreeonk up, these two always provide the goods. Hell he even won a few games at craps with them, and not necessarily in the best ‘cleanest’ fashion. Again he stares back out into the rain, trying to decide the next best course of action. Ever since shit hit the roof, Cesar has been stuck in this town because of the blockades at all the major exits. At the beginning of the chaos, the stupid idiots of the town tried to rush out of here but did not take in to consideration that all of this originated from the outskirts of the town and in affect, ran right into the chaos. Now most of them were slaughtered and left a hell of a mess with their vehicles choking streets. Cesar remembers seeing the news reports on TV and shakes a little at the imagery that was played out across those cameras. No grown should have seen what was on display. Despite that, there is also some unfinished business that Cesar has also wanted taken care of before he departed. From in the shadows behind him, a voice disturbs Cesar’s conscience

“So Cesar, when do you propose we leave?” with a little bit of a hiss in it.

Cesar rolls his eyes and turns around to the crouched figure of Wens. At the first glance of Wens one would think he is just the average citizen of the town with his white crew neck shirt and baggy jeans. Perhaps just a local teen but that’s not the case. His skin is pale like a ghost as if the man hasn’t seen sun in a decade, and plus not to mention how effortless he dropped some zombies earlier. Cesar had his suspicions about this character, as he has not mentioned anything about himself and another thing was his eye. That eye…thought Cesar as his brow twitches little. Where his left eye should be there is a hole. A black disturbing looking hole.

“Wens, I told you before that this requires some patience’s” quietly speaks Cesar. He turns and looks the strange man in the eyes or eye “As I said before, We still have some unfinished business.”

A smile creaks along Wens face, “Oh you mean that pretty little thing from the other night? She was quite…” and he is interrupted.
“No, Wens,” sighed Cesar “I meant about the “debt” I’m owned by certain someone.”

Wens pauses for a moment trying to remember what he could possibly be talking about and nothing materializes. Just a blank stare and then Wens shrugs, “Man I just want to kill zombies you know? skreeonk are creepy.”

Cesar shakes his head and turns back to the angered Mother Nature as the wind picks up, creating a whirlwind affect with the rain. Then through the irritable sound of rain comes another noise. It reverberates through Cesar’s ears as even the rain could not block that source. Both Wens and Cesar look up directly above them and notice a Helicopter, military issued, passing over ahead and landing 200 yards away.

“Looks like we might have company” coolly says Wens.

Indeed we do thought Cesar, “This could be interesting.”

[Gojira21]

Chp. 5 Part 1

Enter Death city


The city before them fit the classic description of a ghost town. There where no one strolling around in the streets, cars were left abandoned like trash, and debris blew rampant through the alleys. Clearly the city seemed as if it would not render any survivors, but yet they were reported. Looking at this chaotic spree coming into the city reminded Kiko of the games “Resident Evil” on how the city looked so gloomy. If anything else, the appearance alone was enough to send chills running down his spine. When they first entered the city through the express way, it was a hassle to navigate around the graveyard of cars. Everywhere the eye could see, were cars aligning the three lane highway with luggage and supplies spewed about. In some of the cars they passed you could see blood splattered across the windows like someone decided to take a bath in it. The fleeing citizens didn’t even stand a chance once the chaos started. This mass exit just created a massacre. They basically handed their lives over on a golden dinner plate. At one point, Kiko and Theo had to literally cover the mouth and hope not to puke as they came across one car with a disturbing sight. The passenger was hanging half way out the front window. The entire body was torn away into shreds to where there was nothing recognizable left, it was impossible to tell what gender the poor soul was. All of this had a lasting affect on everyone, even Henry was speechless, and the whole squad was all thinking the same thing, just what the skreeonk happened. It was expressed on their faces; Kiko didn’t even have to ask.

As they delved deeper into the city, the scenery changed. There were less abandoned cars, but more debris and random items just thrown about. Some of the neighboring buildings even had barricades against the doors; although it was evident that it was useless as the doors were still broken through. They even forgot all about the windows. It was too dark to see inside as what the aftermath was floated on everyone’s mind, but it wasn’t hard to make the decision that it was FUBAR. The one positive out of this gloomed disaster was the rain had died down some, but it only increased the wind. The disturbing wind vibrations were riveting through the buildings creating the eeriest of sounds. Then the words of Jaxon came over their com. Units echoing their thoughts

“No one get noisy, I don’t want anyone sight seeing in any window or vehicle” ordered Jaxon in a bitter, but sympathetic voice.

Ignoring the Captains words, one of the squad members by the name of “Briggs” wanders a few feet a way from their stretched formation and comes near a broken window. There was some kind of light emitting from the darkness that caught his attention. Glass broke under his combat boots as he creeped closer and he tries to walk slower, if that were remotely possible. A slight sound could be heard coming from the shadowed room that was not a result of the wind. Briggs could not make it out clearly and cocks his head closer as he advances. It sounded like something was being dragged across a surface, a sort of ‘wet’ slosh sound. Thinking it could be a survivor he hurries his pace and reaches the broken out window and tries to see inside but the darkness consumes his vision. But, yet he thought he saw a shadow move which raised alarms mentally in his head. Then the noise ceases and Briggs lowers his guard and in that split second it proved costly. Something lunges through the dark and clutches at Briggs shoulders. He screams and tries to bring up his rifle but the pressure of the thing was surprisingly strong and held fast to his arms. Next thing Briggs knew is there was another one emerging from the sea of black and attaches to him as he feels teeth being punctured into his skin.

Everyone in the squad immediately turned toward the sound of screams, and Kiko almost screams himself. Briggs, one of the newer members was futilely fighting at something! It looked like a human, possibly a survivor but yet it looked…wrong. The overall appearance looked of death and that was least of the problems. Blood and painful screams were leaking out onto the sidewalk as two things were now on Briggs, digging their mouths into his chest and arms. But the only word that could escape his mouth was “skreeonk” and he charges across the street with the rest of the squad following. A sound of gunfire erupts from his left as Theo open fires into the spewing mass from the window as there are now five that have collapsed out into the open. Kiko watches as the bullets collide into their bodies and they didn’t even flinch. The bullets they used in their standard rifles were strong enough to take down a gorilla and yet they kept moving like it was a pinch. A sudden feeling of dread fills Kikos gut for something was clearly not right. Then more gun fire erupts from the squad as they try to pry Brigg’s body from the mass of death. Kiko was the first one to arrive to Briggs and drags him away from the mass as they reach and moan out of hunger for both of them. He manages to drag Briggs back into the street as blood and sinew seep from his opened chest; painting the street in a fresh coat of crimson. The pouring rain only adds to the affect flooding the street with a sea of red as Briggs was bleeding profusely. Jaxon and Theo cover his retreat as the squad forms a perimeter around his body. But yet more and more of the zombies come falling out of the window and the door as well. Kiko can hear curses flying from Jaxon as they keep rising even after the bullets tear into them. A hail of gunfire and heat fill the air as Kiko tries to give what morphine he has as the medic, Parker, arrives to his side quickly scanning the wounds of Briggs.

[Gojira21]

“Jesus H. Christ, they tore the hell of him!” yells Parker, shocked out of the brutality. But he shakes off the shock and lets his training kick in. Parker brings out swabs and tries to clean the wound while injecting morphine but curses like a sailor as the blood keeps pouring. He already knew in the back of his mind that Briggs is gone but he refuses to give up.

“Hey Kiko! Give me a hand hear and hold the bandage! We have to get the bleeding under control!” Screams Parker in Kiko’s ear. While he holds the bandage, Jaxon yells to them

“Hurry the hell up! We have to move NOW!”

Kiko looks around and is surprised at the current situation. In a matter of minutes the streets have literally become filled with these zombies, they almost completely surrounded the squad. Their hungry moans ring through the air as they slowly drag their mutilated corpses across the concrete. Shit! Screams Kiko’s mind and stands up grabbing Parker by the shoulder, “We have to move! He is gone!” Parker ignores him just as Briggs makes a death cry. A blood gurgling noise emits from his mouth and then he proceeds to stop moving. They both finally get moving and leave his body behind, but not before Kiko grabbed his dog tags. No man left behind sentiment was the motivating factor. The rest of the group fills in behind them, covering their exit.

Bullets collide into the sea of undead and blood soars but they keep coming. Some finally fell after taking much damage but not enough, and they were using up ammo fast. Jaxon curses again at the situation. He really misunderstood the situation he was getting into. The briefing he received before takeoff told him that there might be hostile aggression but he had no idea it be like this. They were proving more formidable than he could have ever imagined. The situation has severely gone down south in a hurry.

“We have to get of the main road!” Yells Jaxon, looking around for an escape route, “Quickly in here!” as he directs them to a wide, but closed spaced building.

The group spreads swat style into the building. When they enter they yell out roll call of “Check” to make sure everyone made it safely. Henry was behind the group and was clearly enjoying himself. He was swinging around a long bladed knife and was swatting down numbers of the dead at a time and laughing all the same time. Henry was effective and brought down many without much of an effort. Jaxon notices him and yells for him to move it. For a moment he didn’t respond, but finally he calmly walks in as Theo and another member, Steven, close the door, lock it and then proceed to barricade it with what ever they can.

“Why such the hurry Cap? I was having a dandy of a time!” smirks Henry as he strides past Jaxon, putting away his blade. Jaxon just shakes his head and surveys his surroundings. It was a wide spaced building inside with shelves aligning most of the walls.

“Alright men, we have to keep moving. Double time, we are less than 2 blocks away from the Hospital and…” Jaxon was cut off by Kiko.

“Sir, how do you expect we continue? I don’t know if you have noticed but the streets are not lined with your everyday citizen at the Macy’s parade!” voices Kiko, distraught at what has happened.

Jaxon nods his head, not worrying about the disrespect to authority “We will take the back alleys, it may slow us down some but it get us to the hospital.”

Kiko keeps quite at the decision, not sure if the best idea, but it all they have. He just nods his head.

“Good.” Says Jaxon, “Alright men, count your ammo and ration it best you can! Only shoot what you can, they don’t appear to be able to run so try to dodge them if we encounter them again.”

“And aim for the head, that appears to be the best method of bringing them down.” Adds Theo who was standing behind Jaxon.

[Gojira21]

Chp 6

Outskirts of Rochester, VA.

Hallways. There was section after section of hallways that where branching off into infinite directions were all that could be seen. Each one looked almost identical to the other. Nothing was remotely different about them, which would make someone insane. Thats what Doctor Jim Fields was feeling at this moment. Sprinting down one hall after another was making Fields feel nauseated and he curses violently at the creators of this forsaken facility. Majority of the place had variety, but not this section of the 60 floors that consisted of this facility. This whole section had to be identical. If it wasn’t for the 20 plus years that he had worked here he would probably be lost. Just around two more corners and another hallway thought the doctor as he continued his frenzied escape to freedom. He had clutched to his side in a satchel important documents. Documents for what nobody knew except him and the top priority members on the Board. This is why he is running, as someone or something was after him. Apparently they know what the information and drastically intend to obtain it. A sound catches up to him from behind which causes him to stop. No way could they have followed me screamed his mind as he steals a glance behind him. All he sees is empty space and the bright fluorescent lights; not a single sign of his pursuer. He takes a moment to catch his breath and relax for there was no way they could have tracked him. Fields knew every little short cut and escape route of this level and he used everyone to his advantage. Yet he heard the sound again and he squints his old, feeble eyes to try and see down the hall. At first he saw nothing again, but slowly he sees darkness slowly etching his way. Light row after row were shutting off. Some how the lights where shutting off and this scared the shit out of Fields. He begins panicking again and stumbles backwards. Through the dark he can finally make out a figure. It was only a silhouette from the shadows but it was rapidly catching up to him. A little scream comes from Fields as he turns around and begins again to run and darts around the corner. Only a few feet now…raced his mind as he felt his time slowly ticking away. Behind him the darkness is almost upon him as it some how was sped up at an unnatural pace. Then all of a sudden he feels an unmistakable presence behind him and stops dead in his tracks. Fields turns around and comes face to face with his pursuer, someone he hoped to have never seen again in his life. Staring back at him where dark burnt orange color that felt like they pierced into his soul. His body becomes numb and realizes he has met his end.

“It’s finally nice to meet you Doctor” said Kanna in a sinister but yet soothing voice.

Doctor Fields only stumbles for something to say as he could not take his eyes off her stunning figure.

“Your time has come to its end doctor; you have to face the consequences. Now I come for what I desire!” she says emotionless now.

In a quick, rapid movement Fields felt his life drain away and was somehow able to manage a small scream as it echoed over the halls behind him.


Alex ducks down behind a dumpster in a hurry. He was just barely able to escape the view of a passing by zombie. His breathing was heavy as he can feel his heart beating in his chest. The zombie came around the corner and completely caught him off guard. Alex was amazed that it didn’t see him, chalk up to luck he guessed. It slowly lumbers out of view not a few seconds later, but Alex remains behind the dumpster. If there is one thing he has learned in the last week or so is when there is one there is surely more. He counted himself lucky that it was one of the “walker” and not a runner, or he probably would have been screwed even if he did see him. For being dead, some of them can run surprisingly fast. Ever since the crap started at the campus, Alex has been trying to dodge these things best he can and it has gotten hairy at times. He almost kicks himself for not escaping the city before the barricades went up but he had wanted to search for his family. Look how that turned out teased his mind as slowly stands back up keeping his eye on the corner of the alley. For a moment Alex did not know what to do next, with all he seen over last few days lot of this seemed pointless. He should hold up in some building and wait for some kind of rescue. If that ever happens he decides. Finally he starts moving and heads down an opposite alley than the one he previously decided to go. Plus, moving around in this down pour of rain didn’t help especially when nothing to cover himself with. That’s another thing he kicked himself for not finding an umbrella although that seemed pointless in a “zombie” apocalypse. Alex starts walking at a slow pace down the alley when he heard what sounded like gun shots. He stops in mid step and tries to figure out where it came from. But with the rain and wind, it made trying to determine where anything was difficult. Again he hears the sound again that was defiantly gun shots he finally decides with himself. He was about to run forward and out on to the street to find the source when he is suddenly pulled sideways into the dark.

It happened so fast he didn’t even have to time so scream as he felt something clamped around his mouth. For a moment he tries to break free but stops and releases he was dragged into some building. The door that he was moved through is closed before him with a hand and then Alex sees the person that grabbed him. He put a finger to his mouth to give the universal signal of quite and points out the window. Just a mere few feet where he was standing another zombie lumbers by with a look of cruel, hunger intent in its dead face. It slowly moved forward with a slight hunch and it was dragging a bat in its hand. Its moans can be heard over the rain as the sound leaks through the old window it sent chills down both of theirs back. For a moment Alex couldn’t move as he realized that he could have just been killed right there, that’s the second time almost got surprised! After about a minute the zombie finally disappears from view and Alex actually takes a breath and tries to laugh it out. He looks over at his rescuer and notices the person not much older than himself, but has clearly seen enough action from this city.

“Thanks, you saved my life.” Says Alex.

The person just looks back and makes grunt “Yea, better count yourself lucky” and then looks back out the window to make sure the thing is fully done, “Always have to keep a eye on your surroundings.”

Alex just shakes his head but he knows he is right “So…what’s your name man?”


He looks back at him, with a calculating look in his eyes “Its Zach, and yours?”

“Its Alex, Alex Williams.” Answers Alex.

Zach just nods his head “What were you doing out there?”

“I don’t know honestly, I had heard gunshots and thought it could another survivor or a…” he stops for a moment not sure if should answer.

“Or what? A rescue party?”

“Yea actually I did think that.” Says Alex.

Zach just stares, “Well you better keep wishing that, there hasn’t been a single rescue attempt sent to this god forsaken city. Why didn’t you just leave with the evacuation suicide group?”

Alex takes a moment before answering “Decided to stay and look for my family, I know they weren’t with that group. I actually ran across them few days ago and didn’t see them among them. Why are you still here?”

“I guess I’m in the same boat as you…” said Zach retreating from the window and walking back in towards the depth of the building “Ever since lost my dad in the woods, I have sort of just…wandering around.”

“Wait, you mean that was you at Hollows Point?” asks Alex.

Zach just looks at Alex, giving him the look that doesn’t even need a yes or no answer. Alex keeps shut releasing that seeing your father killed was not a good thing to witness. For a moment silence ensues between the two but suddenly Alex remembers something he heard.

“Well then why don’t we head to the Hospital? Supposedly survivors are holding up there, perhaps my parents!”

A laugh escapes from Zach, “you really think that is true? That there could be survivors at a mere hospital?”

Alex shrugs “seems like a secure enough place to hold out if you ask me.”

A sigh escapes from Zach and leans against the wall with arms crossed thinking and sees how the look on Alex’s face.

“Alright, sure we will go to the hospital. For your sake.” Says Zach coolly wondering if he had just made the right decision or not.

[Gojira21]

Chp 7

Cesar and Wens drop down onto a fire exit and look out into the distance before them. Not more than a block in front of them is the Miriam Hospital. Its dome shaped roof looms over the surrounding buildings like a canopy. No one could ever miss the hospital from that sight, and that was the constructor’s intent with that colossal structure. Cesar just shakes his head, why couldn’t my contact wait where like he was supposed to be? But instead the person Cesar had intended to see had decided to abandon his original destination and head to the survivor shelter at the hospital. He curses his name under his breath, not intending to let Wens over hear him. He already heard enough.

“Damn fool” remarks Cesar as he feels his suit starting to get soaked from the rain.

A sigh escapes from him and shakes his head. As if this day couldn’t get any worse marked his thoughts as he can not believe he has to still be here. Cesar would like nothing but to leave this now forsaken city, but…yet he still needs to meet his contact. The thought soaks his mind with anger and he balls his fist up. But there nothing he can do about it know except find him and get the hell out of dodge as the old saying says. Cesar looks over at Wens and notices he is staring off into space. He shakes his head and shoves him to bring him back to earth.

“Hey, Houston calling Wens! Pay the hell attention” says Cesar, through the rain, “Just over there is the hospital; think you can watch my back while we proceed?”

Wens looks at Cesar and then at the hospital and back again. He laughs and nods his head, “Sure thing boss, I got your back.”

Cesar looks back at the hospital, thinking to himself you better and decides it is time to get moving. Once again he shakes his head at his luck and wonders if it is even worth it but before he can decide he already feels his body responding. Both Wens and Cesar are already scaling the fire exit and head towards the direction of the hospital. Little did Cesar know was that his day does hold lot more surprises than he even bargained for.


The rain has subsided to barely a drizzle now which helps on the visibility. The corners were less unknown so Kiko didn’t have to be as cautious, but still kept up his edge as he angled around the building. He drops out onto a narrow road and scans the surrounding landscape. Everything looked clear, no sign of zombies and Alex gives the signal for the rest of the group to follow suit. As the group files out into the street Jaxon comes beside Kiko.

“I want you to make it clear to the rest of the group that I do not want anyone else getting heroics. We are here on one mission and one only.” Commanded Jaxon

Kiko stares at the Captain for a moment and feels some hostility; clearly something about this was not right. But Kiko keeps it quite “Yes sir” and sweeps around but is stopped by Jaxon who puts hand on his shoulder.

“Hey, solider. Cut the out the bullshit! I want a Sergeant who can keep his head clear.”

Kiko nods his head and turns his attention away trying to calm the anger that started to boil in him.

Once the message was relayed they continue down the street, only a block away to the hospital. They can even see the over rise of the Hospital in the distance and they quickened their pace. As they come within sight of the hospital, Captain Jaxon points to the two snipers of the team and brings them over. They both fall out of the lineup and double time to Jaxon.

“Alright, I want you two to set up defense parameters there” he points to the scalping of on building with a canopy over it “and there” and points to another building on the opposite side of the road, “I want you two too be our eyes and watch the entrance to the hospital. If anything comes near, take them out. Understood?”

Both men sound of in unison, “Yes sir” and quickly drift off to their assigned units. Then Jaxon turns back to rest of the group, “Theo, Steven I want you two to take up point Kiko, Henry, and Parker will bring up the rear. Now move out.”

Without further adieu the squad advances again towards the hospital. The environment around them was the same as they seen everywhere else; abandoned cars and debris. Expect there were lot more blood stains in the car windows than before. Kiko wondered if this was even the best idea, looks more like people were trying to leave this place than even think about using it as a shelter. Although it doesn’t appear it would have helped much. While the rest of the group disappeared behind the doors of the hospital, Kiko thought he heard a noise. He stops and raises his rifle while slowing sweeping his vision around him. There was nothing there except the souls of the forgotten buildings. It left an even more disturbing feeling to Kiko knowing that there could literally be no-one left in this city. For another moment he keeps his view toward the farthest parts of the buildings trying to spot anything, but decides he letting his fear get the better of him and shakes his head. Soon he rushes ahead and rejoins the group inside.

When Kiko enters inside the building and rejoins the group he gets the sickening feeling, again, that there is probably no hope for any survivors. The inside was a gross mirror image of the disaster outside. Spewed about the main lobby where tons of paper and chairs. The main foyer windows that overlook into the street are broken askew with their remains scattered all over the floor. As Kiko was scanning the rummage, whistles, “Looks like no where is skreeonk safe” says Parker as he shines his light on his riffle across the room. Kiko only nods his head, not able to find the words to even answer that statement. Jaxon stops in the middle of the room and shakes his head.

“Alright everyone lets not jump to conclusions yet. We still have to search this damn place,” says Jaxon “Let’s spread out to cover the place faster, I don’t want to be here anymore longer than any of you all.”

Everyone looks around at each other; clearly they are rattled just a little by what has happened so far. Nothing has gone accordingly. But no one counters the Captains as Kiko divides the squad up and begin their search into the heart of the house of usher

[Gojira21]

Chp 8.


Once the squad had split up and departed into the unknown they left a striking silence in the main lobby. A breeze picks up and blows through the shattered windows creating a symphony of dread. But then something takes form. The shadows became animated and started moving in a swirling pattern. While the shadows formed, the air felt frail as if ‘something’ was draining the energy from the room. Slowly the dark tendrils of the absences of light began to meet at the middle of the room and culminate around into a funnel. It wasn’t the shadows itself but something else; something alive. Something that had desire and a conscience. The funnel then begins to take shape and the only thing that is even noticeable was a pair of eyes. Eyes that where dark with menace that belonged to something unimaginable. It had been watching the squad the entire time…

When Kiko turned around into the next corridor, his senses were immediately hit by a strong odor. It assaulted his nostrils, almost causing him to gag. He had to quickly cover his mouth. The smell also hit Parker behind him “Jesus Christ, what the hell is that smell?”

For a moment Kiko doesn’t answer and looks into the dark of the corridor, “Smells like…death” whispered Kiko. He hears Parker curse behind him as they venture into the corridor with weapons raised. Most of the corridor was obscured in shadows that only enhanced the treacherous feel of the seemingly abandoned hospital. Ever sense coming into this building Kiko had felt that something was not right. It was like a sixth sense had kicked in as his stomach tightens up. As they move further into the darkness, a light is emitted from the other end of the corridor. Hell was actually beckoning them to come further it seemed. It was a reddish hue colored light, apparently from the back up generator. The light was revealing most of the further end of the corridor and Kiko notices there is two doors, one on each side of the hall that lead further into the madness. On one side of the room there was a window panel that spanned most of the legenth of the hall. Everything looked like a nightmare dream situation as the whole area literally screamed horror. But Kiko tries to ignore his fleeing emotions and remembers his training: Eliminate emotions, focus on priorities. He takes a deep breath and continues down the hall.

“What the hell you think happened here?” asked Parker from behind, bringing Kiko out of his thoughts.

“I don’t know for sure…Initial reports was some kind of “leak” had happened.” Answered Kiko, already un-sure of that answer.

“A leak that cause men to act insane? Completely immune to bullets?”

“Hey, I’m just going by what I heard. Immediately after the incident NewGen came out with a press release saying it was a chemical accident.” Breathed Kiko, trying to remember details.

“NewGen? Doesn’t that sound a little suspicious that they would come out right after the supposed accident?” replied Parker.

That’s a good point thought Kiko as he turns around and faces Parker “What you trying to say? That NewGen might be responsible for this?”

This response catches Parker off guard before he finally responds, “Well I don’t know, just find it odd. I’m not pointing the blame at anyone.”

“That’s…” before Kiko could finish a loud noise rings out through the hall. It echoed so loudly that Kiko flinched and immediately swooped around with gun raised but all he sees is shadows and the red, eerie back up lights. The sound left a resounding effect in the hall as its echoes died. It seemed like a loud shriek but with a hint of rage mixed in. Instantly all of is previous thoughts came surging back and he cursed under his breath.

“What...in…the…hell was that” whispered Parker as he aimed his weapon down the darkened hall.

Kiko puts a hand up to silence Parker as he listens. He can hear something else, but it was faint. He moves further down the hall, and cocks his head to the side listening intently. Again he hears it, but it is faint and slowly becoming louder. The sound had a strange ring to it, what the skreeonk is that thought Kiko. It almost sounded like something was dragging and there it was again. The noise itself was enough to send chills down Kiko’s spine as it sounded eerily out of place. It almost seemed like the shadows were coming alive, thrrruuunnnkkkk it came again but this time tremendously closer. Kiko’s right hand trembles just ever so slightly as it reflects his nervousness.

“This is Military Corp.! Who’s there!?” yells Kiko, hoping he gets back an answer. For a moment the uncomfortable silence descents back upon them as the dragging noise seems to cease. It was so defining that Kiko swore he heard his AND Parkers heartbeat.

“I said!” he is cut off again as finally something comes into view. The red, generated lights reflect the outline of it as it gradually inches closer. Both Parker and Kiko tense up and aim their weapons more deliberately, not taking any chances. The mysterious figure looks like it is hunched over as it drags its body closer into view. Two blinding lights dazzle to life from their rifles as the flash their light on to the body. Once the lights hit it was like an instant reaction: the hunched figure immediately uprights it self and charges at them with amazing speed. From behind it materializes its right arm that is attached to a big long, serrated ax and it is aimed directly at Kiko and Parker.

“Jesus Christ!” yells Parker as he stumbles backward slightly while pulling the trigger. Then Kiko joins in as they both unleash a hail of pain towards the ‘zombie’. The bullets collide into its skin, but the bullets do not phase it as it swings the ax. Kiko was just barely able to dodge; the blade just inches away from his face. Kiko yells for Parker to move as he is surprised at how aware and strong this one appears to be and listening to Kiko, Parker dives just under the blade and rolls behind the creature and rejoins Kiko. They quickly rise, aim and again fire. A loud roar/moan escapes from the damned as it lurks back around to them and stares its victims down as it prepares the ax again.

“The head! Aim for the head!” Yelled Kiko towards Parker. Both men redirect their fire towards the head and unleash another round of bullets into its molded skull. But the bullets again have no affect. Jesus! Thought Kiko as both him and Parker again dive out of the way of the ax, why didn’t head shot not work? Just as thought runs rampant, he hears his gun go dry and curses his luck and before he could even have time to switch clips the zombie was already turning its attention towards him. From behind Parker keeps draining his gun dry into the back of the zombie and then charges at it. The zombie stumbles forward maybe an inch and then takes one massive arm and tosses Parker away like a rag doll. Seeing an opportunity, Kiko also charges and slams the butt of his rifle to the back its head. As it stumbles again and tries to turn around, Kiko pulls out his Beretta and shots out his knees caps. With a sickening sound the body collapses on its legs but still able to function as it prepares to swing the ax once again. At this moment, Kiko takes his riffle and again slams it across the things face continuously until brain matter and flesh start to fly. The thing finally tumbles over like a bag of bricks as its body hits the cold floor. Then he aims his berretta again at the head, up close and empties the clip. Once the barrel starts clicking dry, Kiko stops and feels his heart racing. Slowly he hesitantly puts his sidearm away and stares at the corpse and then looks at Parker

“You alright?”

[Gojira21]

Chp 9.

Once the smoke clears and the echoing of the bullets cease, both Parker and Kiko look at each other. A look of shock crosses both of their faces as they were speechless at their assault. Both of them had no answers as why the thing would not go done on one simple head shot. It was a puzzling question; one of many that has arrived since being here. Kiko moves to the body and kicks it, making sure it is truly dead. It doesn’t move. Kiko shines his flashlight down at the zombie as Parker comes closer also. Looking at the thing was little disturbing, not for the fact that it should look deceased but the fact it looked different than the ones they ran into on the streets. Instead of looking all decrypted and flesh falling off the face and body was much…lively looking? The neck was thicker than the average persons and the skin look more shriveled up. The rest of the body looked like something of a freak show. But what was even more disturbing was the arm that had the ax. Instead of just holding the ax it was more off apart of it! The ax was intertwined with the flesh and bone of the zombie. Someone or something had tried to literally play Dr. Frankenstein and add parts to what was probably a person. Kiko had to bite back the urge to puke as the look and smell was just horrible. The face was also another haunting matter as it was completely bald. The eyes were sunken back, as if the head had tried to absorb them and the skins around the mouth was literally just gone; revealing just bone and teeth. Sharp teeth. Crunching down, Kiko looks at the teeth as they where strange. The front Canines were sharper than usual.

“Hey Parker, take a look at this” says Kiko. Parker, who was pacing stops for a moment and stares but then comes out of his trance and crouches beside him.

“What do you make of this?” asked Kiko.

Parker stares at the teeth and rubbing a thumb across them. They were actually damned sharp which was unusual for the average human “I don’t know. Most Humans do not have Canines this sharp…or this big”

“So what are you trying to say?”

“I’m saying that this is unnatural…Just what the hell happened here?” mused Parker feeling even more freaked out. Thats a good question thought Kiko.

“My god, why…why is this thing different looking?” stuttered Parker, starting to look a little bewildered as he looked over the full body cavity.

Kiko just shakes his head, I have no idea. But before they could even investigate further the comm. link started to buzz. It was Captain Jaxon.

“Kiko, Parker come in.”

Parker stares at Kiko with wide eyes still as he answers, “Yes Captain, we read you.”

“Where are you at?” asked Jaxon.

“Honestly…I’m not even sure, sir” replied Kiko as he looks around look for a sign or anything “Somewhere.”

“Well double time your asses to the security room, wing B.” commanded Jaxon.

“Yes sir, over an out.” Kiko sighs and looks at Parker “Well it’s to move. Let’s go.”

In an instant they both take off back down the way they came, just as the body of the creature is dragged away into the shadows.

After few minutes Parker and Kiko made it to the security room. They walked in to the relative tinny room as it was no bigger than an elementary school room. The room had a low light fixture as the farthest parts of the room where mainly dark with shadows, but for the most part you could see every thing needed in the room. Across the room on the opposite wall of the door, were two rows of security cameras. Some still had live feeds on them. On another wall was what looked liked a weapon cabinet. It was left open, apparently what ever happened it happened fast as some weapons, mainly M-16’s, were left out on the floor. Then Jaxon walks up to Kiko and stares him down with a smug look.

“Finally you show up.”

Kiko ignores that and looks past Jaxon and at the camera feeds “So what is the big deal? I don’t see anything to major in here.”

Jaxon looks at Kiko, and a look of anger crosses his features but it quickly leaves as Jaxon answers “On our search we kept noticing the numerous security cameras that were mounted until finally we decided that maybe those be the best way to try and give us a better understanding where survivors could be at and what happened here.”

Kiko nods his head, realizing that actually is a good idea “So what find?”

“Well…we did figure out what happened…it wasn’t pretty” said Jaxon sullenly, clearly disturbed at what he saw, “take a look for yourself.”


Kiko looks skeptically at the Captain and then slowly moves to the security monitors. The nerves in Kiko where once again on fire as he felt like he was about to see something that probably no man should see. For a moment he wondered if he even wanted too look but curiosity got the better. Damn human nature thought Kiko.

“Alright, Jackson bring the feeds back up” commanded Jaxon, waving his head at the monitor.

With a few quick strokes on the keyboard, Jackson brought up the feeds as a screen materializes up on the screen. Then it spreads out into four different sections as each one showed something different of the same location. The video was of the main lobby that they had entered while the third feed was in some random hall. At the start everything looked normal, survivor, actually survivors, were walking around doing random things. Then, things changed fast. One feed showed a zombie bust through the main window and dragged on pour soul out into the streets. Two other feeds showed various more zombies breaking through and people running around. Some of people were mauled down right before his eyes on the camera as blood and sinew where every. One camera managed to get covered in blood. Kiko couldn’t take much more, it was all sickening. Seeing people, men, women and children being torn apart. They had no means of defending themselves. The luckiest thing, perhaps, was there was no sound. At least Kiko didn’t have to listen to their mournful screams. He hears Parker behind curse loudly at the sigh and Kiko quickly turns away, already having seen enough. Jaxon notices his displeasure and orders Jackson to end the feeds and gives Kiko a reassuring pat. Kiko could barely even feel the pat as he felt his body shake, all those people…He shakes his head and notices that everyone else had the same, sullen look that was on his face. Kiko was surprised he was even able to hold his stomach down. As everyone was quite, not sure what to do next exactly a noise is heard and then someone falls through the main door. It was a man. A strange one at that as his skin was deathly pale and was wearing baggy jeans. Plus not to mention he was missing his left eye. Then behind him another figure strolls in, all calm. He was wearing a nice, elegant suit that was capped off by a black fedora. The strangest thing about the man was how nice the suit was, considering it was just pouring outside. It was, somehow, magically dry. Everyone in the room had their weapons raised at the two intruders.

Cesar shakes his head as the bumbling buffoon Wens managed to let himself slip and fall into the room, notifying everyone of their presence. He had just wanted to eves drop and get an understanding when Wens fell. Cesar sighs loudly and decides to make himself introduced. While he walks in he gives Wens a small kick in the side

“Good job you idiot. You got us noticed.” said Cesar cool and collected. Wens just nods his head and tries to stand back up

“Sorry boss, I slipped man. The floors are slick.”

Cesar ignores him and looks at the merry men of military looking men in the room and smiles.

“Well gentlemen, since my…uhmm…sidekick here had decided to rudely interrupt I guess it is time from an introduction” says Cesar “I am Cesar LaRoux and this person” he says pointing to Wens “Is Wens. Don’t worry he actually is pretty harmless.” Wens scuffs at how he was introduced and stares absently at the gathered assembly.

For a moment Jaxon stares at the new comers, not sure what to make of the situation. They were apparently spying on them, but yet they appeared to be survivors…if that was possible. But Jaxon figures there was no harm, but he still keeps his weapon raised.

“I’m Captain Jaxon of the Military Corps, Alpha Squad” he then nods his head and Kiko “This is my Sergeant, Kiko Terpovski. The medic, Parker Johnson, Private Thomas Jackson, Staff Sergeant Theo Zong and this crazy man here” referring to Henry who manically stares at Cesar with wicked intent in his eyes “Is Corporal Henry. Plus we have too more outside providing over watch.”

At the mention of Theo Zong, Cesar was taken back for a moment. That named sounded familiar Theo Zong… but he ignores it. Then Cesar half bows “Nice to meet you and your team, Capt. Jaxon. But can we lower the weapons? We are all here under good intentions.”

Jaxon nods his head and tells everyone to lower their weapons. Cesar smiles.

“So Mr. Cesar, what were you doing outside the door?” asked Jaxon.

“Oh I and my compadre here over heard you all talking and we figured we run into some survivors!” answered Cesar

“But why then, didn’t you two just come in?” interrupts Kiko suspiciously eying both Cesar and Wrens.

Cesar stares back at Kiko with a stern look, daring the man to challenge him, “I assure you we had no attentions of anything bad. We had to be sure could be someone we could trust.”

Parker Johnson, still rattled from earlier, did not quite believe that and raises his weapon again at Cesar “Bullshit!” he yells. As soon as that weapon was raised Cesar understood this was going to turn out bad. In a quick, rapid movement Cesar hand disappeared under his suit jacket and then reappears with a golden eagle. Cesar pointed Bonnie directly at Parker’s smug face “Son you better lower that weapon if you know what is best for you” he says with all seriousness now. Then everyone else again raises their weapons as Cesar then, with blink of eye, pulls out Clyde and points it at a random person. The tension in the air had become thick again as it seemed like an eternity had passed before someone finally spoke again.

“Put the weapon down, Cesar!” commanded Jaxon, “That is an order!”

Cesar looks at Jaxon through his shades, can’t believe this man would say that to him.

“Last time I checked Captain I wasn’t apart of the Military. So therefore I don’t take orders from a Jarhead like you” said Cesar as anger started to creep into his voice.

While those two stared down, Wens felt oddly out of place and smiles forms over his pale face. He whips out a nice looking knife with a wicked blade and dangles it about among everyone, trying to show off. Upon seeing this Henry snickers and waves his hand

“Bitch please, you call that a knife?” and laughs as he lowers his gun and opens up his vest so everyone can see. On the other side of his combat vest various sets of knifes adorned the lining.

“These…are knives!” said Henry with a wicked tone.

Wens stares and then suddenly his whole demeanor changed. It was like a switch was turned on inside of him.

“You better know how to handle those, or I will cut you open and hang your guts on the wall” says Wens in a strange calmed voice. Then everyone could have sworn they saw Wens eyes glow a strange color for a split second as rage was hidden behind his pupils.
Cesar whistles and his shocked at Wens, he didn’t know he had the feistiness in him. He is glad now that he did decide to straggle along with him.

“Well this is quit the predicament we are in, huh?” smirked Cesar as he looked at everyone in the eyes but not swaying on his weapons.

But before Jaxon or anyone else could reply, the comm. link on Jaxon turns on and Steven’s voice is heard. It sounded like it was mixed with emotions.

“Captain! Come in!”

Jaxon opens the link with his neck “Yes Steven, I read you”

“Sir we have one hell of a problem happening out here!”

“What is going on, son?” asked Jaxon.

“Zombies! Or whatever the skreeonk they are coming! They are literally” a gun shot rings out over the comm. “coming out of everywhere!” another shot rings out. And then the comm. goes dead.

Jaxon becomes instantly concerned again, “Steven! Report! Steven!?” but all he hears is static.

Cesar stares again at Jaxon “Why don’t we all lower are weapons. Looks like you are going to need our help, just as much as we need yours, if we want to survive.”

[Gojira21]

Chp 10.

Prt 1

Alex and Zach turn around a corner and enter into another series off rooms that branched off into more hallways. More skreeonk halls irritably thought Zach as keeps a look out around them. Ever since entering the damn hospital they have been searching for survivors or at least a trace of any. So far they found nothing expect only blood and mysteries. Zach is thankful that they have not come across any of the mindless freaks, but he doesn’t cross his fingers yet. They can pop up from anywhere. With all of this darkness anything is bound to happen. But what was bugging him the most was the silence. It was creepy; the only thing he could hear was his own heartbeat. It was beating profoundly. Alex comes up from behind and makes Zach jump. He almost thought his bones had left his skin with how bad he flinched.

“Hey see anything up ahead?” whisper Alex as he tries to adjust his eyes to the darkness.

Zach shakes his head and thought about ignoring him but only realize that would not have done any good.

“No not a damn thing.” Replies Zach “It’s almost too damn quite for this place.”

Alex just nods his head in agreement. There was no need for adding anything further as it only pointed out to the obvious. The only thing that was actually of importance to Alex right now was finding his parents they have to be here thought Alex. Although that sentiment was starting to seem dimmer and dimmer as they venture further into the darkness. But it is ironic that they are heading further to the dark when, in reality, a sane person would travel into the light. Unfortunately, this was not the situation and it could be a bad decision although it was one Alex was willing to do if it meant finding his family. But Alex just sighs, stares back into the dark of the hall and prays for the best.

“Alright, let’s keep moving. If there are any survivors they are here somewhere” says Zach. Alex nods his head and follows Zach. As they continue to venture down the hall they hear a noise in the distance. Both Zach and Alex immediately stop and listen intently.

“You hear that?” asked Alex, who was quickly looking around.

Zach nods his head, “Yea I did…sounded like…gunshots”

Alex then looks Zach dead in the eyes, hope starting to blossom “Gunshots will mean survivors!” Zach just stares back, not answering because he knows it could mean anything. More than likely not the one they are hoping for. Alex then hurriedly stomps off into the hall with renewed determination Zach reaches out and to stop him but it was too late.

“Hey Alex, wait!” yells Zach.

Alex ignores him and continues on ward, why would I stop? He thought that but did not possibly know what laid in store for him. As he continues down the hall Alex immediately stops as he sees something before him. Through the shadows a zombie lumbers into view of Alex as he feels himself become numb again. He tires to move but he couldn’t force a muscle to respond. Oh come on screamed Alex’s mind as he is stunned that he would become this afraid. From behind Zach also notices and quickly reacts, not worrying about the zombie. He runs up from behind Alex, wraps arms around him and was about to head back the way they came when another zombie pops up behind them.

“Shit!” mutters Zach as he frantically looks around for an escape. Finally Zach notices a door to their right and grabs Alex again. They both go dashing through the door as the lock, apparently weakened over time, broke. Quickly Zach jumps back up and closes the door and braces himself against it as he feels the impacts of the zombies on the other side of the threshold. His eyes dart around the room looking for something, anything to use as a barricade.

“Alex! Come on help me barricade this door!” screams Zach at the still stunned Alex.

For a moment he didn’t respond but finally reality comes surging back to reality and helps Zach grab a nearby table. Once they finally got the door block they took a moment to catch their breaths. Zach, once relaxed, slowly turns around and finally is able to get a good understanding of what the room looks like. He almost wishes he hadn’t. It was a medium sized room but it was different looking. This room was defiantly not your average hospital room looked like something see right out of prison. Right up against the back of the wall was what appeared to be a cage. Not a cage for like holding birds but something bigger…but for what? But that wasn’t the only thing strange or creepy. On the ground there were red stains and Zach bet his bottom dollar that those where not stains from spilt red koolade.

“What the hell is this room?” asked Alex, out loud.

Zach just shakes his head as he is lost for thoughts. He was just speechless. Zach takes a moment to look at the room more closely, besides the cage and some table there was not much to go by to even try to peace anything together. Then Alex yells over to him, disrupting him from his thoughts “Hey Zach, come check this out” He comes up beside Alex and looks to see what he was holding

“What is it?”

Alex looks at him and shakes his head, “Not sure…looks like a report or something” as he hands Zach the paper. Zach grabs it as it looks like some kind of report. It was very vague on information and there was some blood spatters on it which only added to the intrigue.

Specimen Experiment B
Time: 11:30 PM

Specimen has showed increased strength and intelligence. But the specimen has not yet seemed to show any signs of any “powers” or unusual abilities. So far this experiment has been deemed disappointing.

Date: June 12, 2012

The date was what caught Zach’s interest. Apparently it caught Alex’s also “June 12? Wasn’t that…”

“The day before this shit happened” finished Zach

[Gojira21]

Chp 10

Prt 2

The moans of the dead leak into the lobby as an entire wave of the madness come stumbling down the street. The sight alone would make the strongest of people faint and whimper as they believe their end is near. It didn’t help as the grey storm clouds still hang over the city like blanket making things only gloomier. Slowly and hungrily the dead inch closer, nothing is standing in their way. They will even knock down their own if they stumbled in their way. It was a horrifying site but yet one could make out an ‘artistic’ view from the mass…if someone was that crazy enough to even think of that notion. These thought and more were running through the minds of everyone as they reached the front entrance, or well maybe everyone expects Henry. He only had a deranged smile dangling on his face as he relishes the opportunity to chop down some dead ‘meat’. Jesus thought Kiko as he gazes upon the sea of the dead. For a moment Kiko froze he didn’t not want to even bother trying to help the two snipers, they are, without a doubt, probably dead but the old military saying ‘no man left behind’ echoes through his mind. It seemed worthless but yet here he was might as well get it over.

“There! They are making a break for it!” pointed out Thomas as he spots the two snipers. Both of them where sprinting towards the hospital blindingly shooting behind them into the mass of flesh.

“Alright men! Provide cover fire” commanded Jaxon. “I do not want anymore people dying!”

Here we go thought Kiko as he raises his weapon and storms out of the hospital. Beside him Cesar only smiles as he tightens his grip on Bonnie and Clyde and Wens just stares out into the oblivious. Kiko takes a deep breath and charges out into the madness and starts shooting. He is soon followed by everyone else with Cesar trailing them.

Henry was the first one to reach the group of zombies and whips out two 6 inches blades and smiles.

“Well come on Mother skreeonk! Want a piece of me!” as one zombie charges forward. In a quick motion, Henry dodges swerves his arm back and chops off its head. Then he turns back around and impales another one. Henry unleashes a series of effective attacks and soon a pile off the dead is starting to form around his feet.

One of the snipers, Foster, trips on the ground and yells a random curse word. He tries to stand back up but one of the zombies was already on top of him. Foster tries to pull out his pistol but it was knocked away as the zombie’s sporadic arms hit his wrist. Before he could even realize he was dead an entire horde was upon him; their teeth digging away into warm flesh. Only screams of agony ring from his hopeless soul. Steven, the other sniper, turns to help and blasts into the horde “Get the skreeonk off him!!” but he knows it’s useless. Behind him Kiko and Cesar arrive and try to drag him back as he is relentless on saving his friend. Bullets ring out all around them as Kiko yells at Steven

“Steven! He is gone! Move it!”

Steven looks back at the horde ignoring his words, and throws his empty rifle at them and still yelling. Kiko grabs him again and pushes him behind the rest of them. Finally Steven obeys and lumbers to the hospital. Once he enters back into the hospital, Kiko empties his expended magazine and was about too replace it when something hits is back. Kiko is now the one to fall and quickly rolls to his back as a zombie was about to jump on him. For a moment Kiko thought he felt everything slowed down, a surreal feeling came over him. At that precise time Kiko thought his life was gone but then a small explosion ricocheted across the zombie’s head. A rain of blood and brain are expended forward in a flash of light. The now officially dead corpse’s collapses to the ground, barely making a sound and Cesar looks down at Kiko.

“That’s the first and last time I save your neck” says Cesar as he extends his hand down to Kiko.

Kiko scuffs at the remark and takes his head “Thank you” he quietly mutters under his breath. By the time Kiko gets back up Cesar is already engrossed back the immediate business at hand. Kiko shakes his head and starts retreating with everyone else. The swarm of the undead was becoming chaotic as they almost completely choked the main street. There was so much dead walking that you could not see an inch of the concrete. One would have given up right then and there as the world was truly gone to them, but not for these soldiers they were trained better. Trained to not show emotion, and dwell on the insignificant values of hope. They were here for one reason only even if that overall mission was starting to seem bleaker. As they filed into the hospital they did not realize that they had nothing to block the entrances. Not that it mattered as the windows were already broken as the dead followed them; their moans echoing through the hollow lobby. Someone curses, perhaps it was Kiko but it could not have been made out clearly. All that was known was that they had to keep moving and find a new means of shelter, and the only way to go was deeper into the hospital. That only was more of an unknown mystery unknowing to the soldiers. The dead literally cut the squad into as they tried to move.

Kiko notices that the dead had infiltrated into the hospital and new things were going to get worse. Once they had reached inside, the undead seemed to become aware, they literally seemed to start running. Is that even possible thought Kiko as he tried to grasp the situation. But it did not matter as the squad was divided. He looks around and realizes it was only him, Steven, Cesar and Wens the rest of the group was scattered. He curses himself and tries to decide what is next.

“Well Kiko, looks like we can only go…deeper into the hospital.” Surmised Cesar.

“Are you crazy? Those damn things are all over this place now, and who knows what else is lurking in this damn building!” Kiko looks at him and then he says calmer “we have to find the rest of the group.”

Cesar half laughs “And how do you speculate we do that huh? I say we find an alternative route of escape because ill be damned if I’m going through that cluster skreeonk out there!” pointed Cesar to the closed door.

Kiko just stares. He knows he is right, but…he can’t just leave the rest of them here. For a moment he couldn’t think and feels a headache forming. Then he takes a deep sigh and tries to relax.

“Besides I know you all came in a chopper. When is it due to come back?”

Kiko almost forgot about the chopper “We had mission tops of 3 hours, so” he glances at his watch “we still have 2 hrs to dust off.” Cesar just remains quit “Fine you are right we need to move.”

“Everyone alright? Any injuries?” asked Kiko looking around. Everyone signals off their statuses except for Steven, who is lunched in the corner.

“Steven you alright?” asked Kiko.

Steven looks around with blood shot eyes and tries to smile “Yea just a bite. I’ll be fine.” Kiko notices him holding his left forearm. Great, we have wounded can this day get any worse? Was the train of thought for Kiko as he was unaware of the initial danger they were in.

[Gojira21]

Chp 11

Zach leans against door with an ear propped against the cold metal. All he hears is silence which could either be a good sign or a bad one. It was hard to tell. The dead or undead, which ever you prefer, do not make much noise. Only time usually hear them is when it is too late and Zach considers him and Alex lucky that they been able to notice them before it turned bad. Although their current situation is nothing less than bad, but as the old saying goes it could be worse. A loud sigh escapes from Zach as he turns away from the door and faces Alex. Alex was sitting to the left of the room on the only chair in the room, still looking at that paper. Apparently he was trying to think of anything that could explain this. Zach shakes his head knowing it be of no use.

“Alex, I think we should try and continue moving. We have not heard anything for at least 30 minutes now.”

Alex looks up from the paper and stares at Zach. His expression was one of exhaustion. They were both tired.

“You sure it is safe to go back out there?” asked Alex.

Zach shrugs “Well we have no choice, if you really want to find your parents sitting idly by in this…room will not help any”

Alex only nods his head, Zach was right. He did want to find his parents badly. All he can think of is his mother, father and his younger brother and praying with everything he has that they are safe. An old memory was about to sneak its way into his thoughts when Alex shakes himself awake, not wanting to get emotional now. Slowly he stands up and drops the paper, stretching out his sore muscles.

“Yes, your right we need to get moving” responds Alex.

The door squeaks open as Zach peaks his head out and looks around the corners. Besides the ever present darkness, there was no sight of any zombies. Then they both exit the mysterious room with more questions on their minds that they do not necessary want the answers too and look around them.

“Damn I wish we had better lighting, I can’t see a damn thing closer than two inches in front of me” complained Alex who was exaggerating, the dark was not that bad. But it might as well be. It was as if the horrific events were merely teasing them by not throwing out the full exposure of ‘creepy’. Zach does not even answer and just motions for Alex to follow as they proceed down the hall once again.

Alex and Zach have been strolling the halls of the hospital for what seemed like an eternity now as they pass multiple branching halls and rooms; each one looking stranger and creeper than the last. Who would have thought hospital could be this extensive? Thought Alex as he remembers his few times visiting the hospital. Those visit where mainly in the front axis of the hospital and never required for him go to further into the building. Plus whoever thought about building this hospital had a weird taste at style. Saying ‘weird’ was actually putting it mildly as the architecture was defiantly different. But maybe it was just the darkness making everything seem different than what really was. The darkness was like a mask, concealing the true nature. Speaking of the dark, Alex could not help but wonder just how it was so dark. It seemed unnatural and that perhaps spooked Alex even more, it did not help that he was afraid of the shadows when he was younger. But Alex shakes his head and drives away the rabid thoughts as those could make the sanest of people become insane. Paranoia was not something he can afford to have right now. In this environment, though, Alex considers himself lucky that he is mentally strong enough to tolerate the chaos. For a moment, Alex thought he heard another noise. But shakes it away, as there is no way they could be attacked again so fast…is there? It’s his imagination getting away from him again, there is nothing here besides Zach and himself or so he would like to think. Last time they thought that they got ambushed. Alex slows down and stops Zach, who irritably turns around to face Alex.

“What is it man?” Asked Zach loudly.

Alex shushes him to a whisper and answers “I believe we might have company again.”

Zach stares at him, and looks around “Where? I can not see anything in this damn dark, I think you’re hearing things this time!”

“Lower your voice man, damn” quickly responded Alex “and yes I heard something. I just have this weird feeling something is not right.”

“Everyone gets that feeling eventually...” said Zach as he was cut off by something. Quickly, both Alex and Zach turn around to find the origin of the sound. Before their eyes, something materializes out of the shadows. Their immediate thought was another zombie, but something seemed different, felt different this time. Once the shaped formed and the shadows start to peel back a strange body is shown before him. The body itself was more…feminine in shape than that of a man. The curves of the body looked to natural for something that could be a dead walker. Once the full figure was revealed Alex and Zach were shocked: before them was a woman. A beautiful but yet mysterious looking woman. She had a long slender body, with almost perfect proportions all over. She had long reddish hair that extend past her shoulders. The hair was so vibrant that it looked almost like it was real fire sitting on top of a crown of beauty; it even seemed to pierce the darkness around them. This mysterious character was wearing a long, flowing gown that was a dark bluish color that seemed to sway behind her into the shadows. For a moment both Alex and Zach were speechless; seeing this beautiful of a human in this disaster was a shocking experience; it seemed unrealistic. It had to be a dream. But yet here this woman was, right before their eyes staring at them with unique bright orange eyes. Alex tried to say something but stuttered for words and Zach just stared.

Finally Alex broke the silence, “Who…who are you?”

The mysterious women only stares back with a blank look and slight smile forms across her young face. Something almost sinister seemed to linger behind that smile.

Captain Jaxon curses the situation he is in. Things were already pretty messed up as it was, and now having the team split was adding more stress to the man. He almost thought he was going to lose it at one point but through certain breathing techniques, was able to control himself. Clenching his knuckles, and looks at who was left. Theo, Henry, Thomas, and Parker where with him which meant Kiko, Steven and those two newcomers where somewhere else. Then he remembers losing Foster, and then Brigs and feels shame come across him. He blames thier deaths on him and him alone. Jaxon just shakes his head and wonders what to do. They can not go back out this door as the horde of undead are right on the other side. He can hear the cries and moans which sent shivers down his back. This door was the only one out as the other door that leads to a conjoining hall on the other side was locked. This is FUBAR! Thought Jaxon as he tries to determine what next.

“So what do we plan on doing, sir?” asked Parker, still a little bit rattled.

Jaxon rubs his temple and tries to think, “I’m thinking Parker, give me a second.”

Parker goes quite, apparently not wanting to argue on the subject.

“Better hurry up” puts in Theo, who was leaning against the wall “Considering the noises out side, it could be only matter of time before they find a way in here.”

Jaxon shoots Theo a look of anger “Shut up, Theo! I said I’m thinking.”

Theo grunts, “Right and in the mean time we all sit and wait to our deaths? I rather take my chances out there.”

“Yea, I agree. I want to cut a few more of them freaks” replies Henry with a weird, entertained look in his eyes.

“No, Theo. We do not have nearly enough ammunition to fight our way through that mess!”

Theo ignores him the Captain and moves toward the door. Angered Jaxon grads Theo by the collar and shoves him back. “I gave an order to remain here, and damnit that order will be followed!” Theo retaliates and pushes the Captain up against the wall, “I believe in this time of crisis I will not take orders from anyone. Half the team is not even here. You already made mistakes, sir!”

Before Jaxon could do anything Thomas interrupts the rough housing.

“Hey, I believe may found something over here!”

Theo looks at Jaxon who stares daggers back at him and both release their grips on each other.

“What is it Private?” asked Jaxon, walking over to Thomas.

“I…I believe may have found some kind of…hidden door” answered Thomas.

Thomas was inspecting around a storage cabinet that was originally supposed to hold medical supplies. But it was mainly empty with the remaining products splattered across the floor. Liquids and class covered most of the room’s tiled floor. The cabinet was moved out of the way and surely enough there was a door. It was little different than the others. Instead of the classic wooden frame seen on most of the doors, this one was more of metal. What was even weirder was the door was already open. Who ever went through this door did not bother closing it they must have been in one hell of a hurry. Jaxon poked his head into the doorway and notices another hall, but it was pretty dark.

“Alright men, we could have a way out here” Jaxon says looking around at everyone then he looks at Theo, “Will this suffice for you?”

Theo just shrugs his shoulders and stares at Jaxon but he was already done and ignored his response as he clicked on his flashlight of his rifle.

“Alright check your guns and let’s move out. Keep close and stay frosty we do not know what could be down here.”

No one bothers to respond just mute looks are plastered on everyone except Theo who still has that sneer. The only thing one most of their minds was why was there a hidden door? But no one had or tried to make sense of it. It just enhanced the skreeonk up day everyone has had.

[Gojira21]

Chp 12

As they descended further into the darkness, light peeked through the blanket of black and revealed only more wandering halls. This place, this hospital, was starting to seem more like a labyrinth of illusion as Kiko swore he saw things that were simply not there. He blames it on seeing the disturbing images outside, or on the crazy walking dead, but whatever it was it played hell on his mind. A headache was already forming behind his skull as he could feel the beginning traces of the throbbing lace its way across his frontal lobe. A curse rattles in his throat but it never exits as he feels he should stay quite, keep all senses open for whatever could happen. In a way, Kiko all ready betrayed his senses to an extent as not just him, but the whole group, have been reacting to any and every sound they hear. No matter how small or big. But Kiko was a marine, a superior force to those of army or navy, he should be afraid of nothing. He almost laughed at that as the marines train you for every possible event except a zombie apocalypse. But so is the way of live; can never be prepared for everything. Kiko just shakes his head but remembers he has a job to do first and foremost, although he is 100 percent certain that there are no survivors. The only thing left to do is to get the hell out of this hospital and this god forsaken town. On that notion, Kiko is immediately reintroduced the fact that he is not alone as the others were just in front of him. Wens, and Stevens were in front as best as he could tell and Cesar was directly behind him. Upon thinking of Cesar, Kiko remembers the feeling he had when originally ran into him; something about him didn’t seem true. That he and that Wens just happened to over hear them talking in the security room. He decides might as well try to figure out something, if only to bring some alertness in this mind numbing silence.

“So Cesar, I know you’re not just a resident. Nor does your partner up there look like your average compadre” said Kiko.

For a moment Cesar does not answer, only silence rains down upon them, but finally a quite voice answers.

“So why would you think that Kiko?” replies Cesar coolly, trying to test him.

Kiko keeps walking, trying to navigate the dark, “Oh I don’t know…maybe because this is not that fanciful of city that would match your suit. It is incredibly tacky looking for a small suburban city like this one.”

If a smile formed on Cesar lips no one would have been able to tell, but Kiko got the feeling it may have happened. Cesar answers back in a voice that almost leaks with satisfaction

“Well I was wondering when one of you will decide to question me.”

“So what the hell are you really here for Cesar?” asked Kiko as they continue their pace down into the endless void.

Cesar takes a breath and stops “I won’t tell you exactly what I am because that is too classified to be revealed…but do you remember a city, sort of like this one, called Racoon City?”

Kiko stops also as that name sounded familiar and faces Kiko again “Racoon city? The one that was destroyed from a power plant melt down in 1999 or something?”

Cesar nods his head, “Very good, yes that very one. Although, the city was not destroyed by some power plant. Umbrella Corporation, the once proud and massive medicine pharmaceutical was responsible.”

“What do you mean they are responsible? Their company had invested a lot into that city, why would they be involved with its demise?” responded Kiko little annoyed.

Cesar laughs a little amused at Kiko’s ignorance, “Umbrella was not you’re friendly, good for every thing corporation. They were dabbing into secret Bio-organic Weapons. Things that would win wars. Their precious ‘T-Virus’ they had developed specifically for that was ‘accidentally’ let lose.”

Kiko lets it set in. It seemed like bull shit, although it made some sense. There were a lot of secrets that circled the Umbrella Corporation. But he still does not see how that is connected to what is going on presently or why he is here “But how does that have any connection to Rochester or you?”

“I was getting there” replied Cesar sharply “Shortly after that incident Umbrella had the city wiped of the map. They had deep ties with the government and ordered a missile strike. Evidence gone. But not too long after that Umbrella went under, their stocks crashed and their assets were dissolved. The head man of the corporation, Dr. Noland Ronal, disappeared off the map. He became an enigma, a shadow until eight years ago.”

Cesar stops to let that piece of information be absorbed by Kiko who contemplates that over. A look of concentration crosses his brow and then he realizes “Eight years ago…was when NewGen was financed! But how is that possible?”

“Our lovely Dr. Noland Ronal, he took the left over assets from Umbrella and merged with TecCorp….which formed NewGen Corporations. Little bit of a coincidence you think?”

Kiko grunts “Hell no, so your saying Dr. Ronal was responsible for all of this?”

Cesar shrugs, “I don’t know about…this undead that has infested this city but from our sources Dr. Noland Ronal was last spotted in this city. Before the chaos broke out, I was supposed to meet our informant who is involved with NewGen. He was to provide me with information about recent activity. But now I have lost contact with him and I had believed he went here with other survivors.”

“So thats why you were still here and how you got caught up in this madness” said Kiko sort of in trance now as he processes all of this information.

“Well then, who is that Wens character that is with you?”

Cesar again shrugs, “I don’t know exactly…met him up in a bar. He was flirting with some of the local waitresses when he got into a scrum with one of their boyfriends…He easily left him in a coma” he says as he looks over at Wens “Don’t let his diminutive state foul you, there a lot more to him than meets the eye.”

“How about that eye? He ever tell you what happened?” asked Kiko

“Nope, never asked and frankly I do not want to know” answered Cesar wearily.

Kiko and Cesar look at each other for a brief moment, two different people sharing one common gesture. They feel camaraderie build more as they hear Wens disturb their thoughts ahead of them.

“Hey this guy aint looking to good, boss!” yells Wens looking at the hunched over figure off Stevens.

They rush over to Steven’s side as he is leans against the wall, hunched over. A mask of pain is plastered on his face as he clenches his stomach. Plus the bite on his arm looks worse than it did previously. There were dark, reddish veins spidering out from under the bandage and Steven was moaning. It was disturbing.

“Steven, hey man, you alright?” asked Kiko putting a hand on Stevens shoulder trying to steady him.

Through clinched teeth, Steven manages to speak “Yea…it’s just my stomach…feels like it is being stabbed…”

The look of worry drifts to solid concern on Kiko’s face as he tries to balance Steven.

“Do you think you can still walk?” he asked.

Steven shudders and continues clenching, “I’m fine man, I can walk.”

Cesar interrupts, “I don’t think good idea for you to be walking, and you need to get some dire medical attention.”
“Its probably an infection from the wound” Kiko looks at Cesar, “We do not have any medical supplies to help him that was all with Parker!”

Cesar spreads his arms, “Look around we are in a Hospital! One of these rooms has to have some supplies!”

Kiko nods his head “Wens help me get Stevens up, we check the nearest room.”

Wens looks at Kiko dumbfounded, he does not want to touch this man…something about it makes him nervous, like he knows something bad is going to happen.

“Come on! Help me damnit!” yells Kiko at Wens who finally gives in and helps.

They are able to lift him and be his support as they continue to the closes room.

[Gojira21]

Chp 13.

Zach stares at the new presence and can not decided what to make of it. Before him a beautiful woman appeared out of nowhere. She seemed like a mar age; she could not possibly exist in the madness that surrounds them. But yet something about her frightens him; it holds his speech in his throat not making him speak. One could have sworn someone was using the mystic force from Star Wars right now. Alex does the talking for him, finally showing signs of more bravery.

“Who…are you?” timidly asked Alex not sure if he should fight or flee.

The mysterious woman stares back at him, the top part of her face and brow was still cast in shadow so it was hard to tell who she was looking at. But what was obvious was her smile. It beamed down at them which was even weirder. The woman was not on the ground she was…floating in the air. She was only a foot or so off the ground, but she was floating! The image of her floating combined with the surrounding darkness made her appear like a specter. Something wicked sent from the unknown.

Slowly, she answers almost musically “I am Kanna, but who are you?”

Zach dared not answer. Something about her was setting off alarms inside him.

“Kanna…my name is Alex and this is Zach” answers Alex as Zach gives him a look like what are you doing?

Before Alex or Zach could do anything else they were both being lifted in the air. Kanna was raising both of them with just a simple lifting of her hand. A look of confusion crosses Alex’s face as Zach becomes angered “What the hell?”

Kanna either didn’t hear or ignored Zach.

“I do not recognize you two.” Quizzically said Kanna as she tilts her head to better observe them. Then she seems to grow impatient.

“You two do not belong here” she said with little more of annoyance “Why dare come to this forsaken place?!” as she puts some pressure on the two floating figures.

Zach takes over for Alex as he struggles a little to breath “Hey…stop this…we…were only…looking for other people…like us!” and he coughs.

Kanna focuses her eyes at them, studying them and wonders could they be interesting pets? Then her eyes go blank and turn black. She lets her mind go free and she enters theirs. Her powers allow her reach into the deepest realms of their minds. She needed to know their true reasoning, and she scarily enjoys this mild form of torture. Both Alex and Zach shake as they feel something coarse through their heads and they tried to scream. After no longer than twenty seconds Kanna discovers they were being truthful and loses her interest in them.

“You two are off no interest” she says promptly and emotionless. With a flicker of her wrist, both Alex and Zach are thrown across the hall. It was time for her to move on. Still in search of the one person who done this to her. Quietly she moves on ward and before either Zach or Alex knew it she just vanished. She dissolved back into the shadows that spit her forward originally.

Zach regains his breath with a cough and rubs his neck and looks over at Alex. He was in the same condition as he was.

“I feel like I was just mind rapped” breathed Alex as he rubbed his temples.

Zach just nods his head, “you and me both”

Jaxon tries to steady his breathing. Between excitement and nervousness his adrenaline has increased which in affect increased his oxygen intake. The breathing was just about the only thing that could be heard or maybe it was just echoing in his head, making him thinking it was out loud. He didn’t know and personally did not care. The only thinking that was circulating through his busy mind was just trying to find the others and get the hell out of this city. Too many people have already been lost on his team; good men and friends brought down by the wrath of this skreeonk up situation. He curses command for sending him into this hot zone without more clarity on the objective. Although, he had another thing he was supposed to do but he already dismissed that order. Screw command he thought bitterly. But he kept his suspicions of Theo up. His deliberate outburst earlier was enough to raise red flags. Suddenly he thought he didn’t know this man anymore. It was strange, but that was another thing he tried to put in the back seat as he realizes his surroundings.

The hidden door they went through lead them to a set winding stairs that led down. They almost seemed to go down forever before Jaxon and rest of them finally settled on a flat hall. But he immediately realized that they were in a whole new place. Instead of the usual hospital like hallways, this was different. The walls were more metallic looking. It reminded him of something straight out of a space ship. Doors aligned each side of the hall but they were circular shaped with power air locked sliding doors. Some of the doors had advanced security locks on them which raised more red flags. On the ceiling there were two vent shafts that extended the length of the hall. Next to him on the wall was an emblem that was in red. He looks closer at it as it says

“NewGen Corporation: Bringing new discoveries to light”

That only makes things more confusing, NewGen? Is this some secret facility? Thought Jaxon as his mind now runs rampant with questions. Furiously he shakes his head and now decides he wants answers and he will seek those once they get out of this hell hole. At least though, the good thing about this situation was there were actually lights! Or in this part at least as at the very end of the hall it appears to shift back to darkness. The only thing that was even similar to with this hall as above was there was some debris lying across the floor.

“Keep alert people. I do not want anymore surprises!” ordered Jaxon as his glance falls on Theo. Theo was abstinently staring back at him; it actually sent a shiver down Jaxon’s spine. What is his deal thought the Captain. Although Jaxon’s better judgment was screaming at him to not move any further into this new territory he remembers what lays back behind him up the stairs and immediately shakes his head. They have to keep pushing for an escape.

“Alright, move out!”

As they begin to advance, a noise rattles through the hall. Its echo rings all around them. The pitch of the noise was something that could not be natural; it was almost guttural in sound and that sent chills down everyone’s back.

“What the skreeonk was that?!” voiced Thomas as he looks eagerly around the hall.

In response to Thomas Henry says, “Who knows…sounds like a challenge!” with excitement dripping in his voice as he pulls out a blade.

“Anyone hear where that originated from?” asked Jaxon.

Everyone shakes their head no except for Parker “It sounded like it came from in front of us, sir!”

Jaxon fixates his eyes toward the end of the hall and begins to reconsider this option just as another yell rings out into the atmosphere. Quickly everyone swirls around but it was hopeless as they could not determine anything.

“Now where the hell did that come from?” asked Parker

“Behind us…” answered Theo quietly as he stares back into the door way where shadows cover the stairs.

“What you mean ‘behind us?’” says Parker. Theo dose not answer him.

“Something has been following us” was all he said.

Jaxon felt his heart jump in his throat, following us? He becomes angered but scared.

“And you now decide to tell us!?” yelled Thomas scared shitless; clearly the tough man façade was wearing thin on all of them.

Theo stares at Thomas, “I was not sure it I was correct…Did not want to alarm anyone.”

“So… so…so… what hell does this mean?” stutters Parker as his view darts from one spot to another.

Jaxon takes a breath, “It means we are not alone down here…”

[Gojira21]

Chp 14

Kiko and Wens burst through a door, almost shattering it as they rushed in. The only thought on their minds, or well Kiko’s at least, was getting some kind of medical treatment for Stevens. In the time they were moving him and trying to find a suitable room, the bleeding from his wound continued and it would not stop. Plus, Steven’s facial expression became ashen and almost sunken as he was starting to feel the full affects of some kind of infection. It was a terrifying sight and made Kiko’s hair stand on end; he was defiantly in bad shape. Hopefully he thought this room will be of use! As this room looked promising as a sign on top of the door read:

MEDICAL SUPPLIES/ INFIRMARY.

Kiko sort of laughs at himself now that he thinks about it, if any room is showing that sign then of course there will be some useful items. It was a sobering thought and hopefully it is not of waste. If anything, they are able to provide Steven with a place to rest for a moment or two as him and Wens lay him down on one of the five infirmary beds in the large room. He could even feel his heart racing behind his breast plate as it pulsed repeatedly as he dug through some drawers that were marked “Antibiotics”. It was a 3 feet tall drawer with many different compartments that held all sorts of antibiotics to be used. But as he searched through each shelf there was nothing in them except dust and abandon memories. A curse escapes from him as he moves on to the next cabinet frantically searching as Cesar closes the door behind them with a concerned look on his face.

“Come on! There got to be something here!!” Breaths Kiko as he was now looking through another shelf.

On the bed, Steven starts shaking violently and Wens jumps back a little not sure what to do.

“Hey man!” says Wrens “Something aint right!” as he skeptically looks at the shaking figure off Stevens.

Kiko looks over his shoulder and notices what is happening “Shit! Steven hold on!” as he runs over to him trying to restrain him on the bed as his thralls become more violent.

“Jesus! Help me out here!” yells Kiko to no one in particular. Cesar finally walked to the other side and tries to help. The shaking becomes so bad that Stevens's body is being wrenched in inhumanely possible ways as he viciously arches his back from pain.

Between breaths Stevens says “It…hurts…so…bad!!!” and he jerks again to the left and then the right. Blood was starting to spew from his mouth as it fell down upon his uniform, coating it in new crimson. As Cesar tries to hold him down, a startling jolt from Stevens arm knocks him back as Cesar felt something on his hand. It was Flesh. A piece of flesh from Stevens’s wrist that Cesar was holding had…had come off! This momentarily freezes Cesar as he did not expect this and briefly thought he was going to barf up his breakfast. But he manages to hold it in and goes back to Steven, not sure if he should touch him again. As Steven continued to thrash, the blackish veins from the wound had seemed to literally spread out across his body right before their eyes. This even causes Kiko to retreat as he suddenly did not want to touch Stevens anymore as well. His facial expression becomes wide eyed and jaw droped as he stares. During this moment of pause, Stevens’s body violently arches itself upward one more time as his eyes go wide, and become placid. As fast it started it ended as his body had fallen motionless back to the table. All life was gone. For a moment it seemed like a unreal, surrealistic experience. Kiko could not comprehend that this was over and violently at that. He then moves back to his side and shakes Stevens’s body, believing he can not be dead.

“Come on Stevens! I won’t let you die!” he screams as he shakes him, “You can’t die!”

But he slowly comes to realization that it was no use. He really was gone and he slowly backs away not sure how to proceed. Cesar looks at him, trying to find the best way to help Kiko. But he came up empty and only says “There was nothing else you could do…” Kiko only drops his head, feeling defeat and wondering if this is even worth it. This makes two people that had died on his watch. He felt anger coarse through him and lets it out

“DAMN YOU GOD!!” as he yells up to the ceiling raising his fist. He never felt himself much of a religious person but he did believe in god and felt like he had failed him at this moment “DAMN YOU!”

Both Cesar and Wens stare at Kiko, surprised at this outburst but clearly understand. Kiko finally lowers his fists and staggers away from the table still feeling defeated as Cesar and Wens use their eyes to follow him.

While they were all momentarily distracted, movement animates from the table. The dead corpse, or so it seemed, rises up and lifts itself from the table. A feeling of tension once again fills the room as this is clearly not natural. Wens was the first one to notice and could only point. Cesar and finally Kiko follow his outstretched finger and become frozen. Before them Steven was fully reanimated and moving which made them both question reality. He should by all means be dead. No more life, zilch, gone. But yet here was, a contradictory to that notion and one that has not yet dawn on the three them to the ramifications of this.

“Stevens?” whispered Kiko not sure if he should speak or not.

The figure of Stevens slumps over towards them and slowly raises its head. They can hear the neck bone crack as the head rotates backwards and raises itself to view them. The only thing different about him was his skin. It was a pale color, no pigment at all could be seen and the eyes were glazed over. Then upon hearing the sound it lounges at Kiko.

“Shit!” reacts Kiko as the body attacks him. He throws up his arms and tries to hold back the newly undead member as it lashes its jaws at him. At One point Kiko was just barely able to avoid one of its outbursts as he could smell its foul breath. Quickly, Cesar reacts and rushes towards Kiko and slings the body of Stevens backward as it collides into the back wall. A moan escapes from the body as it slowly but surely begins to rise again. Urged on by some unknown motion.

“Jesus…” said Kiko “I believe he has become…one of them!”

Cesar only nods his head as he regains his composure “It must be from the bite. That must be how this…this virus spreads!”

Then Kiko pulls out his 9mm and points it at Stevens head feeling trepidation at what he is about to do.

“Forgive me” and pulls the trigger as a bullet comes spinning out in a small blinding light and makes contact with Stevens head. His body drops to the ground again, but this time…it doesn’t move.

[Gojira21]

Chp. 15

Grudgingly Captain Jaxon and the rest of the group proceed forward with new heighten awareness. Since hearing those perplexing and yet terrifying howls, they all became on guard. Some even more so than others particularly Parker. He was shooting daggers every where they turned, not leaving any corner unchecked. Jaxon was beginning to fear for his sanity, as this was clearly not good. Parker was already jumpy and now this could cause problems for safety. The least he needs him to do is “accidentally” start shooting at shadows. Plus, going back into darkness probably did not help either. Thankfully, though, it was no where near as complete darkness as they experienced in the hospital. A sigh comes from him as he tries to focus on getting everyone out safely. Heading downward through that hidden door was probably not the wisest but what other option did he have available? Going back through the way they came would prove to be suicidal as they did not have nearly enough ammunition to take on a horde of those things. The opposite choice, going forward, was more of an unknown. But thankfully to his luck, they ran across a structural diagram of the facility which helped give him an idea on where to go. The facility itself was multi-structured as there were numerous levels to this facility. It was amazing that something this expansive could remain a secret in this busy city. There was one route that seemed to have some help, but it traversed all the way to the other side of the facility and without a more 3-D structural design, Jaxon had no idea how many rooms or doors they had to go through. He just cursed his luck and hoped he was choosing correctly.

Now that they were down here it only raised his suspicions more as to what the hell went on down in this secret facility. Each door they passed was marked with signs of “CAUTION” and “AUTHORIZED PERSONEL ONLY”. One was even marked “TESTING AND RESEARCH: A”. It was all one big mystery that Jaxon did not know if he even wanted to know. NewGen was up to something thought Jaxon as he even considered them to be responsible for the madness that has infested the city on the surface. Which was not that to hard to consider. Plus, now add the fact that they have something possibly following them! When it rains it pours thought Jaxon trying to not think about what made those noises. But yet an image of something menacing, with sharp flesh piercing claws, and fierce teeth was playing across his conscience like a broken record player. Just that thought makes his flesh crawl and he shivers involuntary. He curses himself for thinking such nonsense as his military training taught him better than that. Although in a situation like this he wondered if the military training even mattered.

As he was about to turn a corner a echoing noise vibrates through the hall. It came directly from behind the group. Quickly Jaxon drops to one knee and swings his rifle behind them as everyone else follows suit. The noise sounded like metal being scratched. It was an eerie sound. Immediately his first thought where of that thing that is following them but that would mean it was a lot closer than any of them realized. Jesus this thing moves fast thought Jaxon as he feels his muscles tense up. Thomas comes up beside the Captain with his gun also raised, the best the military taught him.

“Sir…what are we going to do?”

Jaxon mauls this over, going through all the choices. It was a very bleak outlook as this thing is not going to let them leave here. They are going to have to deal with this. Then again the noise is heard, the same length and everything. It did not change. It knows we stopped, smart bastard… It was evident that this unknown entity was playing with them. It was testing their limits. But something about this felt familiar to him. The tactic used was familiar and he remembers where. In the Panama excursion the militants would have one person follow an enemy, confuse them and play with them. While the rest of the group where waiting ahead, being drawled to them. Behind…SHIT! Thought Jaxon as it suddenly becomes clear and he spins around with his rifle raised just in time to see something. Right behind Parker something materializes out of the shadows. A human shape takes form but it was abnormal. The dark shears away as if it was being ripped off as its face comes into view. It was an image of pure horror as its eyes were pitch black with a deadly menace to them and its maw was full of ferocious teeth dripping with saliva.

“Parker look out!!” was all Jaxon had time for as the arms of the creature quickly seized Parker and he was dragged into the shadows, his screams echoing over the walls. A furry of gun fire erupts into the space that was previously occupied by Parker but the bullets hit nothing but air. The fire from the rifles was enough to illuminate the shadows as they all saw the creature tearing into the ragged body of Parker as bloody and sinew rained down. It was a terrifying sight combined with Parkers screams as they adjusted their fire. But just as fast as they adjusted the creature adjusted faster. Now finished with Parker it tosses the body at the group as it hits Theo knocking him down and scrambles over the walls. Its body blends in and out of the shadows as the dark conforms to it, constantly changing its appearance.

“Move!” ordered Jaxon as he starts moving backwards down the hall as Thomas joins him soon followed by Theo and Henry. All of them systematically try to make a retreat but they did not notice the original creature that was stocking them to begin with sneak in around them. It droped down from the ceiling cutting them off from their escape.

“skreeonk” yells Thomas as he aims and covers their rear. Jaxon looks at both ways and wonders what the hell going to do know. The two creatures were both doing amazing acrobat skills as they managed to dodge all of their bullets. A million thoughts were running wild in his head but none of them are of use. The situation had almost seemed like it has become useless. Upon that note, both creatures stopped and both decided it was time to attack. They both lined up on either side of the group and started to make a charge toward them. Here they come thought Jaxon as he grinds his teeth and prepares for the worst. But on cue with his thoughts a blinding light surges through the hall. It vanquished the surrounding shadows and expans. The mysterious light absorbs both creatures as they completely disappear. Once the light exhausts its life the things were gone; not a single trace of them was left. Just in front of them a figure once again descends from the ceiling. This figure seemingly came out of nowhere. It was that of an elegant woman. Kanna had arrived as her smile beams forward.

[Gojira21]

Chp. 16

Part 1

Intrigue had taken over the group as they stare at the new arrival. The beauty that was on display was either a miracle or curse. It was a puzzling sight, what was a woman like this doing down here? Another even strange circumstance was did that light come from her? It was a maddening experience that Jaxon could not understand. Despite the unsuspecting guest they all had their weapons raised and aimed directly at the her. Every one of them was nervous, they just saw one of their own get shredded before their eyes they were not about to let their guard down again. But something about this did not feel right but what else is new. They all have been feeling that all day. Then Jaxon felt something weird come over him. It was a warm sensation but yet it did not feel right. It crept into his head as it washed over his mind. He tried to shake it off but it did nothing to help, it only steadily progressed. Something was trying to peer into his mind. Everyone else was obviously feeling the exact same thing as he looked around and saw their expressions. If he had to guess he would venture to say they looked exactly like he did. Thomas was even grabbing at his head with his teeth clenched. The only one who didn’t seem affected or he just wasn’t showing it was Henry. His beady eyes were focused on the woman, with a sort of primeval glimmer in them “Man she is one fine piece of work” was all he said as he licked his lips. Then the next thing he knows, Henry body was thrown backwards a few feet as his body collapses to the ground. A moan emerges from Henry as he tries to make sense of what happened. Jaxon looks back at the woman feeling that she was some how behind all of this but how? He thought. Just looking at her gave nothing away, unless you consider her spooky smile as something strange. The feeling of uneasiness still lingers across his mind as he can feel his thoughts being read and surveyed but there was nothing he can do about it.

“What do you want?” said Jaxon towards Kanna.

The only hint of acknowledgement was a tilt of her head. That smile still unwavering. She was clearly amused. Jaxon slowly stands back up wondering if it would be a bad idea to move any further. Tension was cutting even and he can feel it, but he wasn’t going to take any chances with this woman. Not after the stuff they have seen and experienced. But before he could do anything she finally speaks.

“The more important question is…why are you down here?”

Jaxon takes a moment to decide this over as everyone else stands up behind him while Henry manages to just stand back up. Kanna just merely floats down to the ground and plants her feet softly, there wasn’t even a hitch in her landing. Her complexion changes and she looks directly at Jaxon which causes shivers to shoot down his spine.

“We…we are here on search and rescue missions” stammered Jaxon slightly as he feels uneasy.

“If you say so…Captain Jaxon” replied Kanna in a more serious tone with little of an iciness behind it. Then Jaxon hears a voice in his head. It started off as a whisper and then grew into a full fledge voice. It was Kanna’s. She was talking to him telepathically. I know why you are truly here Captain Jaxon she says as Jaxon squirms a little from the invasion of his mind. It will stay between us two…but I will warn you Captain that not all of your men can be trusted and then as fast as it started it ends leaving Jaxon confused. What did she mean about not trusting ‘my’ men? This only brought to him another question to his long list of questions that he had no idea of an answer. While he was pondering this, Kanna starts walking towards them at an even pace her hips slightly swaying from side to side. She held herself in dignity as there was an air of mystique to her mixed with something else. Something hidden deep down in her that she knows can overcome her…if she let it.

“You all have no idea at what awaits you down here…and many of them are dangerous to your health” stats Kanna coolly, with hint of sarcasim as she strides towards them “Nor are you all prepared”

Jaxon could not help but grunt at that statement as if that was not more obvious and feels annoyance to this woman. But he decides he best hold his tongue as he does not want to challenge her. If she can invade their minds and make two creatures that they could barely shoot disappear in a flash of light…who knows what else she is capable off. She only continues talking as she just walks right by them, taking no care to them.

“You all are of know concern to me. My business is with someone else” she says to them not caring who listens, but before she could finish Henry whistles at her and comes up beside her drunken in male hormones.

“You are such a sexy beast, baby doll I’m sure I can be of some assistance to you!” gloats Henry and he reaches out to touch Kanna. But before he could fathom what just happened to him, Kanna, with flick of her wrists, slams Henry back into the wall.

“No one calls me…baby doll” she replied with that icy, seriousness tone again as she briefly glances at his crumpled body “It’s Kanna you foul creature”

Jaxon just stares, trying to stifle a laugh as Henry probably deserved that as he rises back to his feet with a displeased look on his face. Then Kanna looks over her shoulder as she pauses and stares back at them.

“If you all so desire, I guess I could use the company” as that smile creeps back across her face. Jaxon only nods his head. Good thought Kanna they just might prove useful and she chuckles again as she feels that her quest could be almost over.


Lights flicker on and off in the room as they seem to flow with the count of a timer that is on display. The room itself was fairly small and was bare expect for one singular object that set in the middle in the room. It was a fairly large object as it extended from the floor to the ceiling. There were tubes of all kinds of sizes and shapes that came out of the back of the metallic object and disappeared into a junction on the wall. The use of the tubes was left a mystery that will probably never be known. For the most part, the object is left covered in shadows as the lights only highlight the mysterious timer that is on the wall in front of it. Ever now and then the light will cast the object in a shiver of light to reveal a container like section in the middle of the object. It was of glass as it was very thick and it was frosted over keeping what it contains a secret. Every now and then a hissing noise discharges from the object as a mechanism is constantly going off every minute to keep the device cool. It displaces the excessive heat off as vapor and it is then consumed up into a duct in the ceiling. Then the timer finally hits zero as an alarm rings out through the room followed by a light change. Now the light changes to red as it rapidly flickers and dances across the room as it illuminates the entire room including the entire containment unit. Then a voice is heard from some unknown source in a collected, computerized manner.

Release of contents will be effective in 5…4…3…3…1 Thank you and have a nice day

Once the voice stops another noise emits from the object but louder. The seal around the glass breaks away and steam filters out and consumes the entire object. Inside the mysterious containment a shadow stirs and a hand reaches out and grips the edge of the glass. Something has awakened.