Chapter 1: The Team

It was a cloudy afternoon and an ominous wind swept over the streets of Orlando. By this time all who knew of the outbreak had barricaded their selves in houses, stores, or anything they could lock up. Miles was sitting on a hillside under a tall oak tree playing his guitar. As he played the melodies rang out into the city warming the hearts of all people who could hear. As he finished the song he struck an off chord. He paused for a moment then began tuning it. “A-a-a-a-a… hmm” he retuned and tried again. “A-a-a-a-a” he repeated with the chord still off key. As he tuned it for a third time he was too distracted to hear the footsteps in the grass behind him. He checked the chord a final time as the guitar and his voice harmonized perfectly “A-a-a-a---“his last harmony was cut off by a blood curdling screech that sent a chill up his spine. He quickly swung his guitar knocking the zombies head off and sent rolling down the hill but simultaneously shattering his guitar into small pieces. “Fuck this was my favorite guitar” he said looking at what was left of his instrument. As he knelt to the ground to see what he could scavenge from his old guitar a second zombie approached from behind. “I guess I can still use the strings.” He stood up and gazed at the pieces he chose to keep. He felt the breath on the nape of his neck and as the teeth sunk into his neck he let out a scream. In the blink of an eye he was dead and in another blink he was undead. He made his own screech into the air taking away the false hope he had previously placed in the hearts of the people listening.

On the deserted Dr. Phillips high school campus three friends sat observing their surroundings. They had snuck in ignoring the no trespassing signs making their way to the front of the school. Walking past the auditorium one glanced at a stair rail “Dude, you should grind that rail”. His friend looked at him fearfully and replied “Are you crazy? Why don’t you do it!” the two bickered until Taylor interrupted and said “I’ll do it”. They looked at him and agreed “Okay we’ll be under that tree over there” he said pointing at a tree about two meters away. They sat and got comfortable under the tree. Taylor got a good distance away from the stairway and got ready. He paused and looked at his target then took a deep breath. “You going to do it of not?” his friend shouted from under the tree. “You want to do it?” he said glaring at his friend. His friend quickly became silent and observed as Taylor floated across the pavement and jumped into the air. As he experienced the weightlessness he enjoyed it for a moment and then focused on the rail. As his board slid down the rail he held himself steady and landed on the ground then raising a fist in the air. “Yeah! Did you guys see that?!” he said excitedly. There was no answer; he turned to see that his friends weren’t under the tree. “Oh come on guys you missed that?” there was still no answer. “Okay ha. Let’s hide from Taylor” he said approaching the tree. As he entered the shade he noticed his friend’s hat on the ground and he reached to pick it up. As he did a thick red liquid dropped on the top of the cap. As he raised his head to see the source he was grabbed by the neck and pulled into the tree. He screamed and then there was silence. The smell of death filled the air.

All the room was dark except for the Televisions flickering. Alejandro was sitting on the couch zoned out watching TV. While channel surfing he came across a news cast that caught his eye. “We have confirmation that said zombies are attacking everywhere. This is horrible” the anchorman said in his monotone voice. “A world wide epidemic. Will this be the end of life as we know it? You should stay inside with your loved ones. If you have anything to tell them tell them now… and I’d like to tell my wife that-“just as he was finishing his sentence a zombie came from nowhere and attacked him. He screamed and Alejandro turned the volume down. When the zombie had finished the newscaster he lunged over the desk at the camera. Static filled the screen followed by a screen that read “lease stand by, we’re having technical difficulties”. “Hmm” Alejandro said reaching into his bag for another chip but realizing the bag was empty. He looks in the bag confirming that it was empty and dumping the remaining crumbs into his mouth. He arose from his place in the couch and proceeded to the kitchen. He first checked the pantry, then the fridge, then on top of the fridge. He hadn’t found any chips and decided to return from his fruitless search. As he made his way back to the couch he passed a window and noticed that outside near the street there laid a bag of chips on the ground. He got closer to the window and looked at the chips rubbing his eyes making sure it wasn’t a hallucination. He noticed several zombies but none that close to the chips. “I run pretty fast I can make it to the chips and back if I time it right.” He opened the door slowly and looked around to survey the immediate area. He opened the door and made a dash to the chips as soon as he scooped them up in his hand the zombies had seen him. He took off at the door to his house with the zombies just a few feet and closing. He barely made it inside his house slamming a zombie’s finger and breaking it off in the door. He let out a sigh of relief and opened his chips while turning to the couch. He turned to find that a zombie had entered his house while he was running to his chips. They both stood motionless, and then Alejandro reached in the bag and ate one last chip before being ripped to shreads….

It was morning, the sun was shining through the open curtain lighting the room. Clothes were scattered across the floor and a sword lay on the dresser. Justin rolled over to glance at his alarm clock and noticed it was off. He quickly sat up and looked to see that it had been unplugged. “Crap!” he said jumping out of bed and stumbling to get dressed. “Mom! Do you know what happened to my alarm clock?” He said while grabbing his toothbrush. “You looked tired so I unplugged it” she yelled from her room. “Man now I’m late” he said grabbing the keys from the dresser. “Are you going out?” his mother asked. “Yes mom” he replied slightly peeved as he continued to gather an assortment of weapons and putting them in his bag. “With your friends?” she asked still not exiting her room. “No mom I’m going out to fly my pet dragon in the front yard.” He said in a sarcastic tone putting the backpack on his back. “Don’t make me come in there!” she replied angrily. “Okay! Sorry mom…I got to go!” he quickly replied and ran out slamming the front door. He got in his truck, backed out of the drive way and drove off speeding down the street. He opened his phone checking the time and saying “Crap now I’m really late.”
He continued speeding down the neighborhood streets and swerving through closely parked cars. “Man, maybe I’m not that late. Should call Lisa” he said talking to himself. The phone rang for a few moments and finally Lisa answered “Hello?” “Hey Lisa I woke” before he could finish his sentence she cut him off yelling. “You’re late! Where the hell are you?” she screamed into the phone nearly busting his ear drums. “Lisa, calm down. I woke up late but I’m on my way.” He said trying to get her to stop yelling. “Calm down? Calm down? There are zombies outside my hose and you say calm down? You calm the fuck down!” She continued to yell into the phone. “Lisa just put Khafre on the phone okay?” he asked thinking that Khafre would be a little more reasonable. “He’s not here.” She replied. Justin paused then asked “What?” “He said to just pick him up from his house… he said he had some extra stuff to get together.” “Man, well I’m outside come on.” He said while honking the trucks horn. She hung up and opened the front door. Then ran to the car while looking around making sure she was safe. She got in the back seat and thumped Justin in the back of the head. “Ow!” he said. “That was for being late.” She said crossing her arms and sitting back. “Seat belt” he said looking at her from the rear view mirror. She buckled herself in and he drove down the street towards Khafre’s house.

“Lisa, call Khafre and see if he’s ready yet.” Justin said while turning to Khafre’s street. “Hello?” Khafre said answering the phone. “Yeah we’re at your house come on.” She replied just before hanging up. Khafre ran to the car holding a stack of magazines and reached to open the door. Just before he could Justin locked the door. “Justin, what the fuck?” he said still pulling on the door handle. “Khafre what are those in your hands?” Justin said looking at the magazines poorly hidden in a plastic bag. “Nothing man, just open the door.” Khafre replied with guilt in his voice. “Its porn isn’t it Khafre?” Justin asked with no hesitation in his tone. Khafre pause for a bit then looks to see a zombie getting closer. “Dude, just unlock the door!” he said completely ignoring Justin’s question. “Drop the porn.” Justin replied without hesitation still. The zombie noticed Khafre and started to run at him. “Fine damn it!” Khafre said throwing the magazines into the yard. The doors unlocked and Khafre got in quickly. The zombie reached the door and was scratching at the glass at Khafre. Khafre points and laughs through the window and taps on the glass mocking the zombie. “Do you think I’m stupid Khafre?” Justin said still leaving the car in park. “…What are you talking about?” Khafre said still guiltily. “I will roll down your window Khafre.” Justin said moving his hand and laying his finger on the button. “Okay Geez!” He said pulling two more magazines from under his shirt and handing them to Lisa. Justin rolled the window a bit and repeated his previous statement “Do you think I’m stupid Khafre?” this time with an even more serious tone of voice. Khafre took out two more magazines from his high socks and also gave them to Lisa. Everything was quiet except for the zombie still trying to claw its way in and they still hadn’t moved and inch. “Lisa” Justin said with disappointment in his voice. Lisa reached in Khafre’s pants and pulled out another magazine and threw all of them out the window. Justin put the car in drive and pulled off down the street. They were half way down the street when Khafre asked “So... How’d you guys know?” Justin looked in his rear view mirror and said “Come on Khafre, we all know you’re not that big.” They drove down the street and out of the neighborhood.

Far on the other side of town on the mall roof top sat Raul. He was sitting motionless holding Marie in his arms watching the chaos. “Hmm, to think that just last week people were arguing over gas prices. Now look at them, like ants whose hill was kicked over.” He and Marie watched the people running in terror from the zombies. Behind them Jasmine was punching the air as Jamarcus sat and watched her. “Hey Raul I think I’m getting pretty good. I might even be able to spar with you and Justin now. I’m fast. I’m strong. I can’t be touched.” As soon as she said this without turning to her Raul threw a Kunai right past her face cutting a bit of her bang off. She Fell backwards to the ground and sat up still in shock. “Nope” he said “your reaction time needs work” he said with a smirk. Jamarcus got to his feet and grabbed his boomerang about to throw it. Raul throws a second Kunai, again without a glance, and it lands less than an inch away from Jamarcus’ foot. “Don’t get hot headed Jamarcus” he said getting to his feet “Now lets get serious we’ll all fan out for supplies, only the essentials food, water, oh and some heavy clothing. It’ll be pretty cold up north.” “Right!” they all said together and ran off to gather supplies for the trip.
They drove down the street and out of the neighborhood. They passed several crashed cars, Zombies, and defenseless people asking for help. Alas they were not saved, there were a set number of people who would fit in the car and it was predetermined. They drove into a neighborhood then stopped in front of the house of their next teammate. Justin honked the horn, the door opened and out ran Michael. He got in and quickly asked “Hey Justin can I drive?” Justin looked at him then asked “Do you have a license Michael?” Michael looked to the floor and said “No… But If I tried I could probably be really good!” he said smiling. “No Michael.” Justin replied firmly. “Wait. Justin since when do you have a license?” Michael questioned. “Funny story about that” Justin said right before slamming his foot on the gas and making a sharp u-turn.

Meanwhile Andrew had just woken up. He got up out of bed, put on his clothes and spiked his hair up. He then grabbed his keys and proceeded to the front door. As he approached the door he stopped, then turned back and grabbed his sunglasses then continued to the car. He got in and paused before starting the car saying “Hmm… Where was I supposed to go first? Oh! That’s right, Courtney’s house then to the mall to pick up supplies from Raul. He started the car and backed out of the driveway. As he drove down the street he said “Now which way was it to Courtney’s? ...Eh I’ll wing it.” He decided while turning his stereo to max and speeding off.
Marie ran through the mall gathering supplies. As she passed electronics store and saw walkie talkies through the window. She took the soda can she had gathered and used it to break the window. She climbed through and grabbed some walkie talkies and batteries. As she was leaving she stumbled and dropped a pair of walkie talkies under a desk. As she was trying to retrieve them a zombie security guard entered the store. Finally she got the walkie talkie and got to her feet turning to see the zombie blocking her exit. She paused for a moment then dropped all the supplies on the counter and watched the zombie as he entered the store. She rolls, grabs her fan and quickly knocks the head off the zombie guard. “Yeah! Whose brain you gonna eat now bitch!” she yelled at the zombie. The body then started to get up and she grabbed her supplies then ran from the store.

Andrew, still speeding down city streets, was now swerving and hitting zombies. Courtney was now very upset at how late Andrew was. “Where is he? That douche.” She said before hearing the sound of music in the distance. She looked out her window to see Andrew drive right past her house. “Oh great he’s late and he left me that’s just perfect.” She said looking for her phone. Andrew turned down his music a bit, “was that her house” he asks right before receiving her call an ignoring it. “Well it’s too late to do a u turn” he said turning the corner. “Oh and now he ignores my call.” Courtney say’s redialing his phone number. “Only one thing to do now.” Andrew says as he turns another corner. “I have to get the timing just right… Now!” he then made a hard turn and crashed through a fence. “Andrew you better pick up your fucking phone or” just as she finished her sentence Andrew crashed through her house. Andrew rolled down his window and said “so you ready yet?” Courtney looked at him then yelled “You just crashed through my fucking house then ask if I’m ready yet?” He shrugged then replied “Does it really matter?” “I guess not” she said with a sigh. She climbed into the truck and Andrew turned the music back up to max before crashing through another part of her house. Courtney looked at Andrew furiously but couldn’t help but smile then sigh.

“Justin where are we going now?” Lisa asked impatiently. He turned into a different neighborhood and stopped under a tree in front of a house none of the others had ever seen. Justin stared at the door for a minute then Khafre asked “Justin who are we picking up?” “Butter” Justin replied still looking at the door. “Justin who’s butter?” Michael asked. “You guys don’t know her.” He said not once removing his eyes from the door. “Well maybe if you gave us a name.” Lisa said. “Chrissy” Justin said with a smirk. “Well, whoever that is, I don’t think they’re gonna show” Lisa said. Suddenly there was a loud thud on the hood of the car as a book bag dropped from a tree shortly followed by a girl. She walked around the car and got in. “What no hi? No thanks for picking me up? And you dented my hood!” She Glared at him and said “No. No. And you’re late.” He laughed and kept driving.“Yeah, sorry babe.” He said, “Hey Lisa call jasmine and let her know we got everyone.” “Sure” she said while reaching for her phone.
Back at the mall they had all gathered and were looking at the supplies they had collected. Jasmine received a call and answered. She spoke for a moment then hung up. That was Lisa they’re on their way.” “Good” said Raul “Now let’s get this stuff up to the roof of the parking garage. They gathered the supplies and rode the elevator to the top of the garage. Once it was all secure Raul sat and said “Now we wait.”

Justin and the others were still making their way to the mall. “Do I make a right or left when I reach the end of this road” Justin asked. Everyone gave different answers at the exact same time drowning out any sign of English. “Okay…” He said “Babe right or left?” “Turn right at the tree.” She said blankly. Justin then looked around and noticed that they had been driving next to a forest. “Were next to the woods! How do I turn at the tree!?” He said outraged. “No the big tree!” she explained. “They’re all big trees!” he said. “Justin! She yelled. “What?” he said still angry. “Turn now!” she exclaimed. Justin made a screeching turn almost spinning the car off the road then continued to turn into the mall parking lot.

He drove to the top of the Parking complex and parked the car in the nearest spot. Everyone got out and exchanged greetings then Justin approached Raul and asked “So Raul what’s our situation here?” “Well we have food, water, winter clothing, walkie talkies, batteries, oh! And” Raul reached into his pocket and taking out a stick of jerky. When he did however small square package dropped out of his pocket. “Turkey jerky!” he said holding up the jerky. “Raul… what’s that?” Justin asked pointing to the condom on the ground. “What... Who put that there? I’m appalled!” Raul said while shifting his eyes right to left. Everyone gathered around and stared at Raul. “So Raul, Why do you have condoms?” he looked down then said “Jasmine made me do it!” Jasmine then crossed her arms then said “You wanna try that again?” He paused then said “I meant Jamarcus!” Jamarcus stepped forward and Shook his head at Raul. “Marie?” as soon as he said this Marie hit him in the back of the head. “Yeah… So anyone know where Andrew is?” his sentence was followed by the sound of loud music in the distance. As it approached everyone walked to the edge of the roof and looked see a car speeding recklessly down the road. “Bet you five bucks that’s him.” Khafre said as it drove closer to the mall.

Andrew drove into the garage and up to the roof still speeding and whipped the car around to a stop. “Sup guys?” he said rolling down his window. Courtney then quickly jumped out of the car to the ground. “Ground! Sweet safe ground.” She said praising the floor. “I’m alive!” she exclaimed. “Oh come on, my driving wasn’t that bad.” Andrew said before she kicked him in the shin and stormed off. “So how are the supplies coming along?” Andrew asked. “Oh yeah Raul was just about to explain those condoms.” Justin said looking at Raul. Andrew looked at Raul then put out his hand. Raul handed him a couple condoms “cool” said Andrew putting them in his pocket. “Really now Andrew? Really?” Justin said turning to Andrew. “What you don’t want any?” Khafre approached and said “I need some!” “Me too!” Michael said walking up. Everyone stopped and looked at Michael “Michael you don’t have a partner” Andrew said. “What are you gonna do with a condom?” Michael looked at him then smugly said “Your partner.” Andrew raised a fist and stepped forward to punch him but was restrained by Raul and Justin. “Whoa there, if you wanna fight go pick a zombie.” While reaching in his pocket Raul says “Okay, everyone gets the same amount. “If you lose yours too bad.” As he Divided them evenly Jamarcus walked up saying “Guys, The trucks Loaded. Hey, I need some too!” They all sighed and distributed them evenly.

“They know we can hear them, right?” asked Lisa. “I don’t think so.” replied Jasmine. “Well none of them are getting anything anytime soon” said Marie nodding her head. Courtney scoffed and looked in the opposite direction of them. They all looked at Courtney and Christina asked “What did that scoff mean?” Courtney looked at them and replied “well, you guys don’t have as much to restrain yourselves from…” “Excuse me?” Marie said offended. “I mean really Andrew’s obviously the best here.” Courtney continued. “You wish, Jamarcus is a hundred times better than him!” Jasmine exclaimed. “Yeah but Raul’s still the best.” Marie argued. “Then why is Justin in charge?” Christina questioned. “Please Khafre’s stronger than all of them put together.” Lisa said amused. “Is that right?” Courtney asked. “Yeah” Lisa responded quickly moving forward. They all argued for a while then Jasmine said “Fine let’s settle this then. We’ll have them fight, every man for their self.”

They moved the cars down to the lower levels of the garage and everyone separated and got ready for the fight. “Okay Andrew you got this. You can beat them blind folded.” Courtney said to Andrew. “Yeah yeah, whatever.” he replied. “Okay you should go for” “I’m going for Michael.” He said interrupting Courtney. “Okay but don’t” she was interrupted again. “I got this.” He said standing and stretching. “I’m going for Justin.” Raul said looking in Justin’s direction. “You sure baby?” said Marie worriedly. “Yeah” said Raul confidently. “Okay if you say so.” She said first kissing him then letting him go. “Look out for Justin’s kicks… And watch Andrew, he bites… Oh! And Raul’s” she was cut off. “Jasmine, calm down. I can do this.” Jamarcus said. “Okay just don’t get too hurt just go for Michael.” “Okay.” He said nodding in agreement. “Khafre, go for Jamarcus since he’s new he’ll probably be easier.” “Okay.” Agreed Khafre. “Do what you want.” Said Christina while avoiding eye contact with Justin. “You sure?” Justin asked skeptically. “Yeah.” She confirmed. Justin then put his hand on her chest. She then hit him across his face. He sat motionless, “You said to do as I wish” he said smiling and rubbing the side of his face. Michael still alone in his section was talking to himself. “You got this; this is where you show your skills. It’s now or never.” He said while getting to his feet. Everyone was now prepared, “Ready?” yelled Courtney. Andrew pointed at Michael and then got ready. “Set?” Yelled Lisa as Khafre tightened his gloves then looks to Jamarcus. “Go!” Yelled Marie. As soon as she said this Andrew took the first move and ran to jump on the elevators. From there he Jumped and went to hit Michael with his staff but Michael quickly used his shield to stop Andrews attack. As Andrew continued to hit the shield he said “Let’s see you use those condoms when you’re dead.” Justin watched for a moment the started towards Andrew and Michael’s fight. A kunai flew by Justin’s face so close it cut a bit of his goatee off He then turned to Raul. “Let’s see whose first in command after this fight.” Raul rushed towards Justin. Jamarcus observed the two fights then proceeded towards Michael, but He’s cut off by Khafre. “Let’s see if you’re really good enough to be here.” Khafre said “If your not… then you’ll die.” He ran At Jamarcus punching and hitting occasionally. Jamarcus ran towards one of the ramps and jumped down to the level below them. He was pursued closely by Khafre. Jasmine then followed them down stairs to see how the fight goes. Lisa goes in the opposite direction of either ramp and walks toward the buildings edge. “Lisa” Marie says questioningly. “Aren’t you going to watch Khafre fight?” Lisa stopped near the edge then turned to Marie. “Yes.” She replied before doing a back flip off the edge of the building and swinging through the opening of the lower level. She landed next to jasmine who had already sat to watch the fight. Raul Attacked Justin with a barrage of open palm moves. Justin continued to match Raul move for move Justin moved back and they paused for a moment. Raul rushed forward and continued his attacks they locked eyes. Then Raul Glanced at Justin’s sword. While reaching to take it Justin pushed him away. “Oh so your a little protective over that sword of yours huh? Well maybe next time I think I’ll take it and there’s really no way you could stop me.” Raul threw another kunai directly at Justin. In the blink of an eye Justin unsheathed his sword and deflected it. His sword glistened in the light of the setting sun. “This should be fun now.” Raul said smiling and taking a kunai in each hand and continuing to attack.

“Why don’t you stop hiding behind that shield?” Andrew yelled at Michael still hitting the shield with his staff. He glanced down to see Michael’s exposed legs then drop kicked him. He then prepared to finish Michael off but he rolled out of the way at the last second. Michael then grabbed his shield then got ready for Andrews next attack. “Okay then Michael I guess we’ll do this the hard way.” Andrew said unscrewing his staff into a pair of nunchucks. Khafre continued to attack Jamarcus just missing his face until he lost his balance and fell back. Khafre quickly grabbed Jamarcus’ collar and raised his fist to punch him and said “Just as I thought. Weak.” Jamarcus smirked. Khafre paused confused as to why he smiled then noticed that the boomerang was no longer in Jamarcus’ hand. He turned to see the boomerang turning fast and coming strait for him. He quickly let Jamarcus go and dodged the oncoming weapon. Raul had cut Justin multiple times and didn’t have a scratch on him. “Some how I remember you being better than this.” Raul said smiling and looking at the cuts he’d made on Justin. “That’s because I am.” Justin said smiling. “What?” asked Raul confusedly. Justin switched the sword to his right hand and got ready to fight. “Shit” said Raul “He’s Right handed.” Justin charged at him and they continued to match hit for hit. Justin smiled and hit Raul in the chest pushing him back. “Well then” said Justin getting ready to charge again. Justin started to dash and Raul braced himself. Justin held up his sword running full speed. He ran right past Raul and there was the sound of clashing metal. Raul turned to see Justin had blocked Andrew from crushing Michael’s skull with his nunchucks. Andrews’s weapon was still wrapped around Justin’s sword. “Get out of my way Justin. This isn’t your fight.” Said Andrew still pushing down to hit Michael. “I seem to recall this being every man for them selves, right Andrew?” Justin said calmly sensing the anger in Andrew’s voice. “Then why the hell are you protecting him?” “Protecting who? I’m just fighting.” Justin said sarcastically. They both let go of the power struggle “You got lucky this time but Justin won’t be here to protect you forever.” Everyone was quiet until Raul asked “Where’d Khafre and Jamarcus go?” Just after he said this Jamarcus was knocked through the air and hits the ground. With Jamarcus still laying on his back Khafre Runs up the ramp and jumps to deliver the final hit of the fight but as he was coming down Jamarcus catches Khafre with his legs and kicks him back. Khafre rolled to his feet and ran forward to punch. Jamarcus ran at Khafre to try to counter the punch. They ran at each other with tremendous strength. In a flash Raul had ran up to them, jumped and landed on Khafre’s knuckle. He then kicked him knocking him off balance and landed. Jamarcus who was too far into the punch couldn’t stop himself. He was inches from hitting Raul when Justin grabbed his hand and flipped him. Raul who had placed his hands in his pockets nonchalantly moved out of the way. There was complete silence, and then Khafre said “So, I assume the fights over.” “Yep. I think we know who won. Besides we have bigger problems.” Justin said. “Bigger problems?” Asked Jamarcus while rubbing his back. “Yes or did you not notice the hoard of zombies gathering on the side of the building?” Questioned Raul. They all looked over the side of the building to see the zombies collaborating on the ground floor. “Well Raul I guess its time to pack light huh?” Justin asked. Every one looked at the two of them puzzlingly. The sat on the ground and removed leg weights they had under their pants legs. “What? When? How?” Jasmine said still confused. “You guys are douches!” said Khafre now angered. They all got in the vehicles and drove to the ground floor. Once out of the building Raul noticed Andrew had disappeared. “Wait where’s Andrew?” he asked as they all looked around. Andrew’s truck landed almost crushing them. “Glad I’m not in that car.” Said Jasmine as they drove off heading north.