Since the dawn of time, plants have protected suburbia from the zombies.
But now, the world has changed…
"WELCOME TO ZOMBURBIA!"
A large black and purple sign firmly planted into the ground had these words written in a large bold font juxtaposed against a dark, sullen background of a Suburbia infested by the undead, that which was carefully and expertly produced by the finest Zombie Painters available. Beyond this sign, was the namesake town that which the Zombies had long since overtaken.
Zombie Engineers were hard at work making repairs and alterations to the many houses that lined the streets. Houses that once sheltered people until their inevitable demise were being demolished and rebuilt with smooth, polished metal walls and roofing. Steel obelisks were also being erected, ones that constantly sparked and flashed in order to produce energy for Zomburbia…or perhaps just for show.
Zombie Physicists monitored and operated the many forms of technology that littered the streets and lawns. None of them really knew what the computers were for, and they didn't really care either; they were simply doing their job.
All-Stars were all gathered in the nearby football field, playing a casual and carefree game of Tackle. They had served their purpose in the war to win over Suburbia, so now they were doing what they loved most.
Zombie Soldiers were pacing back and forth armed with deadly Z-1 Assault Blasters, keeping watch for any would be plant intruders. They knew that until the plants and humans were completely eradicated, they would never be out of work, and they preferred it that way. Psychologically programmed only to vanquish plants and hunt for brains, they desired purpose in undeath.
Every other Zombie was a run of the mill corpse, slowly shuffling around in endless search for brains. Most were mindless, though they had increasing amounts of intelligence with each evolution, from using makeshift objects as head protection all the way to utilizing handcrafted weaponry. The zombies did everything they could think of to invade houses, from using screen doors as riot shields, deploying ladders to climb over defenses, digging underground to bypass offensive plants, even resorting to suicide bombing via explosive jack-in-the-boxes. They were proud to call Zomburbia their home, and had no plans of leaving anytime soon.
Around every intersection and corner, at every location that would allow, there were statues portraying a figure of short stature and unwavering ego. This figure was the sole leader of the Zombies, the most intelligent being that ever existed in life and in death…Dr. Edgar G. Zomboss. He was a master inventor of many forms of technology, primarily plasma weaponry and giant machines of utter destruction. He often fell short however, whenever he attempted to take matters into his own hands. Alas, the plants were simply too much even for his creations. But then a miracle occurred one day, a sudden turn of events that would also turn the tide of battle permanently. Zomboss had a future self pay a visit to him via time travel technology far beyond comprehension. This future Zomboss provided his past self with new technology, new weaponry, and new zombie mercenaries to defeat the plants at a much faster pace so that he could rule his empire earlier in time. It was an evil and devious plot, but Zomboss only cared for his kind to thrive, and would stop at nothing to achieve prosperity.
Today, Zomboss was in a very cheerful mood. The day before had gone by without any incidents of plant invasion, thus signifying to him that the Plants were beginning to waver and may eventually surrender their cause. Feeling the need to announce and celebrate this accomplishment, he pulled up his control panel and pressed a button to bring up a microphone. Clearing his throat, he began to speak, projecting his voice throughout Zomburbia via speakers installed inside his own statues.
"Attention, my undead minions! I have a special announcement to make! We have gone 24 hours without any Plant intruders attacking our home and base. To celebrate this event, I, Dr. Edgar Zomboss, will host a delicious brain barbecue tonight for everyone to attend."
These words were met with a unison cheer of the one word all Zombies could speak: "BRAINZ!"
Observing from afar atop a desolate hillside was a basic Peashooter, looking on with sadness gleaming in his eyes. Peashooter had been the primary front line soldier in the war against the Zombies, and for a while, he felt that the Plants were unstoppable. For months, the Plants had defended every garden and every landmark that the Zombie dared to attack. But then something happened…something completely unprecedented. The Zombies started getting more deadly, to the point where they started to claim many gardens without much of a struggle. It was such a sudden turn of the tides that none of the Plants were prepared for the surge of destruction that followed. Many Plants fell to the Zombies, until only a few breeds remained. The only Peashooters remaining were a Law Pea, a Commando Pea, an Agent Pea, and Peashooter himself. Having only 4 Peashooters on the team severely crippled the already weakened Plant militia. The very possibility that all of Peashooter's kind could die out terrified him. Inside, he was quaking, and it took the warm voice of a close friend to snap him out of his fear.
"Peashooter? Are you OK? You look sad."
It was Sunflower, Peashooter's best friend and the primary medic of the team. She was a naturally happy go lucky Plant, full of vibrance and optimism. Even though many of her friends were lost in battle, she tried as much as she could to stay positive and encouraged the other Plants to do the same, believing that things could get better. Because of her personality, all of the Plants greatly enjoyed her company and support, especially Peashooter. With the amount of depression he had been experiencing, Sunflower's cheerful reassurances were greatly appreciated.
"I'm fine…" Peashooter said quietly. "A lot of things have been on my mind, that's all."
Sunflower tilted her head curiously.
"Like what?" She inquired.
"Well, mostly about me and the other Peashooters. We've all been pretty sad about losing the…others. I don't think we can bear to lose anyone else."
Peashooter's somber tone and general lack of eye contact worried Sunflower. Depression was a relatively unfamiliar emotion for Plants to experience, and even when they did, it was limited to a select few. Now with the Plants losing more and more battles each day, the heavy sensation was spreading to even the happiest of plants. If there was one thing the Plants could not afford to lose, it was their morale, therefore Sunflower felt as if it were her responsibility to keep everyone happy and optimistic. Sunflower wrapped her arms around Peashooter and gently nuzzled him, creating a warm and pleasant feeling in his heart and soul. Peashooter couldn't help but crack a smile and accept Sunflower's display of affection.
"Thanks Sunflower. You help us out a lot."
"Mmm…the wonders of Solar Therapy." Sunflower muttered.
"Solar Therapy?" Peashooter inquired.
"It's a healing technique that Mystic Flower taught me. She says it can rejuvenate any plant, and can also be used in self-regeneration. I think we'll need it to get through this war."
Gazing out onto the overtaken Suburbia, Peashooter breathed a sigh of dysphoria.
"Anything Sunflower…" he replied softly. "Anything at all that tips the tables in our favor. Just one thing…and we'd have a chance."
"Come on…let's go inside. Everyone's getting ready for the siege. We should do the same." Sunflower beckoned.
"Yeah, we should." Peashooter concurred.