Chapter 1

Malik pressed his right hand in his side. His lungs were burning. He was out of breath. That's it, he was a goner. He was pretty much dead. Malik's fingers clenched around the weapon in his hand; no more ammo. Tears welled up in his eyes.

He heard their shuffling steps, the moans. Malik bit his lower lip. After all, he had survived a long time. Two years. Until three months ago, he had had his brother by his side. Silent tears ran down his cheeks as he thought of Rishid. His body began to tremble. Rishid still haunted him in his dreams. Every day he saw the pictures in front of him, as he shot his own brother in the head. Malik shook his head. No, it had not been his brother anymore. It had been a goddamn monster.

Malik pushed away from the wall. He had to pull himself together. He refused to die this easy. His legs trembled as he moved forward. Slowly. He wanted to save his strength for as long as possible. Restless, his eyes darted from left to right.

The streets were devastated, the concrete ripped, houses unkempt. He still held the gun. An important rule was: never throw away your weapon, at least not until you had a better one. He heard scuffed steps. Close scuffed steps. Too close. Malik began to run without looking back.

He needed a place to hide, or he wouldn't survive this day. And he needed ammunition or he wouldn't survive the night. His stomach growled. Damn! He had not eaten for days. No surprise that he could barely stand on his feet.

He stumbled into a side street and fell behind rusted dumpsters to the ground. The stench was unbearable, but it would hopefully ensure that the undead lost his trail.

He needed a plan. A damn good plan. And he had to find out where in the city he was and where the nearest gun shop was. In his escape, he had completely lost his orientation. Malik still wasn't quite sure how they'd found his hideout. He tried to analyze his last hours. Was it his fault? Had he become careless?

Malik hugged his legs tight to him. He wanted to sleep, but he mustn't. He had to find a safe place first. His grip on the weapon loosed slightly. His muscles shook and the nagging feeling of hunger became unbearable. Malik massaged his legs. Why did he have to endure all this?

Until two years ago his biggest problems were his grades and love. He lived with his siblings in a nice apartment, he had friends; his life was just wonderful.

Until the government was convinced that their nuclear weapons were still not good enough.

He himself didn't know the whole story, but something had gone terribly wrong. The radiation had contaminated everything within the nuclear laboratories and carried off the inhabitants, but the people didn't stay dead. Zombies.

He was in a fucking horror movie and somehow he hoped that he was the main character, because then he would survive. After all, he did bring all the criteria: he didn't drink, didn't take any drugs and he had no one to whom he could say, "I'll be right back." Oh, and he could only dream of sex. But that was not a Slaughter, but a fucking zombie movie. Malik had almost started laughing.

A noise startled him. His fingers clenched again around the weapon and his body tensed. He listened, but nothing moved. Had he imagined it? No! He had to be paranoid to survive here.

Malik stood up and squinted. The sun began to go down. Damn, he had to get off the road.

He heard noises behind him.

Startled Malik whirled around. How did the zombie managed to get so close to him? Reflexive, he struck it in the face with the handle of his gun and started to run. Malik ran out of the alley, but he didn't know which direction to face. He tried to keep a cool head. A whole horde of zombies was on the road. Panic rose inside him. No, no, he was not allowed to panic, because that would mean his death. His head had to stay focused. He would find a way out, he had always found one.

His survival instinct took over. Malik just wouldn't allow himself to get killed. He had to get off the road. He was far too easy prey as long as he was in the open.

Every step felt like knives were rammed into his legs. His muscles protested. He needed water, food and sleep, but he hadn't the time to pay attention to his aching body.

Suddenly, he thought he heard a different sound besides the disgusting noises the zombies made. The sound of an engine! Could he trust his ears? Hope budded.

With tires screeching, a jeep drove around a curve and mowed down some zombies. Shots sounded through the air. Malik laughed. Tears ran down his cheeks. Relieved, he ran towards the jeep, which came to a halt. Armed men and women shot the zombies and cleared the way for Malik.

A shot missed Malik's ear just barely and Malik went numb for a moment. He stumbled toward the shooter.

"Are you crazy? You almost shot off my ear," he yelled at him.

"Sorry, next time you are allowed to finish your chat with the zombies." The guy yelled back and fired again over Malik's head.

"Asshole!" With these words Malik collapsed into the arms of the man.

Malik blinked. His body got shaken. He lay on the back of a jeep and someone shouted commands. Someone gave him water. Malik didn't manage to focus his vision. He closed his eyes and slipped back into unconsciousness.

Malik jumped awake and was immediately pushed back on the mattress. He felt dizzy and he was breathing fast. He had a strong buzzing in his left ear.

"Calm down, you're safe," said a soft female voice, which sounded slightly muffled for Malik. Malik blinked a few times and turned his head. Next to him sat a young woman with bright blue eyes and brown hair. "How do you feel?" In response Malik's stomach growled. The woman laughed. "Don't move I'll get you something to eat."

Against their advice Malik sat up as soon as she had left the room. He looked around. Grey walls, barred windows. Where was he? In the room stood a rusty metal table and a broken chair, apart from the one standing next to his bed. He put his hand to his ear. Damn! That asshole had made him almost deaf.

The woman came back. In her hand she held a bowl, its contents steaming. "We only have soup, but it's better than nothing." She sat back down and handed him the plate. Greedy Malik sipped the soup. It tasted heavenly. He had never tasted something so good. It had been weeks since he last had a warm meal. A pleasant feeling spread from his stomach through his body.

"What's your name?"

"Malik." He turned down the bowl and rubbed his belly. "Where am I? Who are you? You saved me! Yes, exactly! I remember, you saved my life." Malik grabbed her hands. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

The woman laughed. "Calm down. I'm Anzu and you're on a makeshift military base. Well actually, it's an old factory."

"Military?" Malik asked. His overall chance of survival had just risen many times over.

The loud slamming of the door against the wall made both Malik and Anzu jump. A man entered. He was wearing a camouflaged military uniform and from his neck dangled a dog tag; on the right side he had a gun. Malik immediately recognized him as the man who had almost blown off his ear. His lavender eyes gave Malik an once-over.

"Well, finally awake?" The man snapped.

"Mariku! He needs rest!"

The man named Mariku turned his icy gaze on Anzu. "Silence," he barked. "He can have his rest, when he's dead!" Anzu pressed her lips together. "I want him in five minutes in the conference room."

"Asshole," Malik growled as soon as Mariku was out of sight.

"Sometimes yes," Anzu said, "but he's a good leader. Without him I would be dead." She sighed. "Come on, it's better if we don't keep him waiting."

With trembling legs Malik got out of his bed. The world spun for a brief moment. Anzu supported him. "Are you alright?"

Malik nodded. He straightened his shoulders. Although every muscle in his body seemed to ache, he tried not to show it. Especially in front of Mariku he would show no weakness... at least not again.

"We have now checked this sector. There seem to be no other survivors. Tomorrow we will..." Mariku fell silent as Malik and Anzu entered the room. "Sit down!" He gestured to the chair next to him; Malik did as he commanded him. All eyes in the room were on him. Malik looked around nervously, but couldn't look at the other people more closely, because Mariku claimed his attention. "Name?"

"Malik."

"More survivors?"

"None that I know of."

"How long have you been in town?"

"Two years."

Mariku raised his eyebrows and looked at Malik. "Damn boy, how old are you? 12?"

"19!"

"How did you manage to survive this long?"

Malik stood up so he was at eye level with Mariku. "I can shoot damn well," he hissed. Mariku made a derogatory sound and looked Malik over again. "My brother taught me!"

"Where's your brother now?"

"He's... dead."

"Seems like he wasn't such a good teacher after all."

Malik tensed his jaw, his hands clenched into fists. He wanted to punch Mariku, but Mariku dodged his punch and grabbed his fist. "We'll see how well you can shoot, now sit down!" He pushed him back on his chair.

Everyone in the room had watched their dispute in silence. Malik crossed his arms over his chest and took a look around, while Mariku carried on where he had left off before Malik had entered the room. Besides Anzu and Mariku there were four other men and a woman present. They listened intently to Mariku's words.

"Anzu, grab the kid and put him under the shower. He smells like a whole bunch of wet dogs, and give him some new clothes."

Malik bit his lower lip. His cheeks burned with shame.

"Don't worry," Anzu said as they had left the room. "That's just the way he is. You get used to it."

Malik didn't respond. He was boiling. The buzzing in his ears caused him a headache.

"Here's the shower room. I'll get you some new clothes."

"Thanks."

Malik took off his clothes and threw them on the floor. Mariku was right: he really stank, and he didn't even want to touch his hair. It was disgusting.

Malik sighed relieved as he stepped under the shower. There was even hot water. His tense muscles relaxed a little. He wanted to never leave the shower again.

"Malik? I've brought you new clothes. Want to keep the old ones?"

"Burn them."

Anzu laughed and Malik heard the door closing.

Unwillingly, he got out of the shower, since his skin was already completely soaked. He wrapped himself in a towel and for a moment he forgot, in what a terrible time he lived.

Malik slipped into the ready set clothes: the same military uniform Mariku wore. "I don't even look so bad," remarked Malik and gave his broken mirror image a smile. Only the scuffed sneakers didn't fit his new outfit. Nevertheless, he didn't feel entirely comfortable. He lacked a weapon. Without it he felt naked.

He left the bathroom and looked around. On either side stretched an endless hallway. Malik turned in the direction which he had come from. He felt somehow lost and hoped to meet someone soon.

"Hey kid."

Except him.

Sighing, Malik turned around.

Mariku looked at him. "Well, do you feel comfortable in my underwear?"

"What?"

"Whose clothes do you think you're wearing? I'm the only one here who has your size. Now come with me, I'll show you around and introduce everyone to you."

Malik stuck out his tongue as soon as Mariku had turned his back on him.

They went back the way to the shower room and continued down the hallway.

"This," Mariku pointed at a closed door, "is the dormitory. Except for me, everyone is sleeping here."

Malik swallowed a sharp remark. He didn't want to step on the toes of his life-safer, even though he was an unsympathetic asshole, who almost shot off his ear.

"I want you to be together in the case that those undead bastards manage to come inside. There are also the weapons in here." He went on. "This is my room. No matter what, you can come by any time."

Malik raised his eyebrows in surprise. He didn't expect Mariku to be that caring.

They climbed a flight of stairs to the next floor. "Kitchen. We eat together. Canned food." Mariku shrugged.

They continued on their way and Mariku pushed a door to her right open. Two pairs of eyes turned to them as they entered the room.

"Hey boss, everything's quiet so far." Two boys, Malik guessed their age around 14, sat in front of several video screens.

"These are Mokuba and Noah, our little geniuses. They are responsible for the security system and keep it running. Guys, this is the new kid."

They welcomed him warmly, and then turned their attention back to the screens. Mariku led him back out to the hallway and up the next steps.

Malik shivered as they walked out to the roof. He looked around. Why had Mariku brought him here? Not until Mariku started talking to someone and even got an answer, Malik noticed the two men who were on the roof as well. They had sniper rifles at the ready. One of the men stood up, took off the night vision device and saluted.

"What's the situation?"

"Our darlings are particularly active tonight." A shot resounded through the night. Malik flinched in surprise and looked at the other man, who hadn't left his position and didn't even seem to notice them. "They are probably pissed off that we have snatched their snack from right in front of them." He grinned at Malik.

Mariku nodded. "The snack is called Malik." Malik shot him an angry look. "This is Jonouchi and that's Honda over there."

Jonouchi and Malik shook hands. "Just call me Jou."

Mariku took the sniper rifle from Jonouchi and handed it to Malik. "Have you ever shot with something like this?"

"No, but I'm willing to learn," replied Malik and grabbed the gun.

Jonouchi handed him his night vision device. The world turned green for Malik. He took Jonouchi's place and looked around. A wall was surrounding the property and there was a huge gate. The zombies were right in front of it.

"It's not that hard if you're used to dealing with weapons," said Jonouchi. He corrected Malik's position and gave him a quick explanation how to handle the rifle properly. "Just try it." Malik aimed and his finger tightened on the trigger. He winced slightly as the shot broke.

"Not bad." Mariku nodded approvingly. He was also wearing a night vision device. Malik had hit the undead in the shoulder. That was not fatal, but at least had thrown him on the ground. "With a little practice, I could use you up here."

Malik took off the night vision device and gave it back to Jonouchi. He rubbed his shoulder as he stood up. "The gate is electrified, but electronics can fail. I prefer having a few of my people having an eye on those bastards. The shooters get replaced every two nights, even though Jonouchi and Honda are my best men." He pushed open the door and they went back inside. "I'll introduce you to the rest of the team tomorrow morning. You'll get your equipments tomorrow as well." He stopped before the door of the dormitory. "Any questions?"

"Since when are you in town?"

"For six days."

"And what are you doing? What's going on in the world?" Malik felt the need to talk and to be close to other people. He had been alone for too long.

Mariku sighed. "Come with me." He took him into his room and sat down on a chair by the window. A bit nervous, Malik remained at the door for a few seconds before he sat down on the mattress.

Thoughtful, Mariku looked out the window. "We search lot of cities for survivors and try to kill as many zombies as possible on our way. We are traveling for a month now. They say there are ships waiting for survivors to bring them to a safe place."

"How many are there? What about other countries?"

Mariku shrugged. "I don't think there are many survivors left. The Australians have sealed off their island and guard it like bloodhounds. Europe and North Africa are extinct. In the south, the zombies don't seem to be able to spread so well. It's the heat, I think. The Russians are doing quite well, I've heard. The Americans have blown up half of their country. More I don't know and the information is old." Mariku looked at Malik, who was staring at his knees. "We're just trying to get to the coast and save as much people as possible."

"How high are the chances?"

"Low. 10% maybe? I don't know."

Malik's stomach clenched. "That's not much," he said softly.

"It gets more difficult to find ammunition and food every day." Malik fell back on the mattress and stared at the ceiling. "It's better not to think about it."

"It's a long way to the coast," Malik pointed out.

"Two weeks, when we would drive consistently, but with our stops it will take much longer. I don't want to leave anyone behind."

Malik raised his head. Mariku was not as bad as Malik thought he was. Even though he had almost shot off his ear, he had still saved his life. Malik closed his eyes. Suddenly, he felt exhausted and he was trying to handle all the new information.

"You can sleep here if you want."

"And you?"

"Don't worry about that." Malik slipped out of his shoes and curled up on the mattress. From half-closed eyes he watched Mariku, who stared out of the window, until he fell asleep.